Liverpool’s observe document of nurturing younger expertise into first-team stars is second to none. From Trent Alexander-Arnold to Curtis Jones, the Reds have constantly proven a dedication to creating native expertise into family names. However as Alexander-Arnold appears to be like set to hunt a recent problem this summer time, consideration has turned to potential replacements, and one title that continues to crop up is Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
In an intriguing twist, the 24-year-old Netherlands worldwide not too long ago revealed that he had the chance to affix Liverpool’s academy as a teenager however turned it down for sensible causes. Talking to , Frimpong mirrored on how a childhood determination formed his path in soccer.
Why Frimpong Selected Man Metropolis Over Liverpool
Frimpong’s story begins at AFC Clayton, the place his standout efficiency in a event remaining caught the eye of scouts from high golf equipment, together with Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis.
“My brother was like, ‘there’s going to be scouts right here, so that you’ve received to indicate.’ I had that in my head, and I scored a hat-trick within the remaining and received participant of the event,” Frimpong recalled.
With presents on the desk, Liverpool was initially his most well-liked alternative. Nevertheless, logistical challenges performed a vital function in his determination.
“I selected Liverpool first and I used to be going to signal for them however again then driving wasn’t a factor. My household weren’t driving and it was far. Man Metropolis have been native, so I attempted Man Metropolis subsequent and it made extra sense, it was quarter-hour on the bus,” he defined.
A Profession of What Might Have Been
It’s a captivating ‘what if’ for Liverpool followers. Had Frimpong joined the Reds’ academy in 2010, he might have grown alongside the likes of Jones and Neco Williams. As a substitute, his profession took him to Celtic and ultimately Bayer Leverkusen, the place he has flourished below Xabi Alonso’s administration.
Frimpong’s spectacular performances in Germany have reignited hyperlinks with Liverpool, notably as Alexander-Arnold edges nearer to the exit door. Reviews recommend that Frimpong’s agent visited Anfield late final yr because the membership evaluates their choices for the right-back place.
Whereas there’s no certainty that Frimpong would have reached Liverpool’s first staff had he joined the academy, his clear high quality suggests he would have had each probability. Fifteen years on, the opportunity of seeing him in a Liverpool shirt stays tantalising.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
For Liverpool followers, Frimpong’s story stirs a mixture of feelings: disappointment over what might have been and hope for what should be. His expertise is simple, and his journey from the Metropolis academy to Bayer Leverkusen speaks volumes about his dedication and talent to thrive below stress.
Nevertheless, the thought of dropping Alexander-Arnold—a neighborhood hero and a generational expertise—leaves a bitter style. Regardless of how expert Frimpong is, changing somebody who embodies the membership’s ethos will likely be an uphill process.
There’s additionally the lingering query of why Liverpool allowed such logistical boundaries to forestall Frimpong’s signing. For a membership that prides itself on recognizing and securing younger expertise, it looks like a missed alternative.
That stated, if Frimpong does ultimately be a part of Liverpool, followers will undoubtedly embrace him. His dynamic model and attacking mindset align properly with Liverpool’s philosophy below Arne Slot. The hope is that, if the switch materialises, he’ll fulfil the potential he as soon as might have realised at Anfield.