Frimpong emerges as key determine in Liverpool’s switch technique
Liverpool’s seek for a dynamic right-back to succeed Trent Alexander-Arnold has taken a promising flip, with reporting that Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is firmly on the membership’s radar. The Netherlands worldwide, who has loved a standout season below Xabi Alonso, is accessible for a charge of simply £29.7 million attributable to a launch clause in his contract — a sum thought-about a cut price within the present switch local weather.
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Frimpong’s potential arrival is a mirrored image of Arne Slot’s bold imaginative and prescient for a Liverpool squad that clinched the Premier League title in his first season in cost. With Alexander-Arnold making a high-profile transfer to Actual Madrid, right-back is considered one of a number of areas the Dutch supervisor is prioritising within the window, alongside a left-back, centre-back, and striker.
The 24-year-old has lengthy been admired by Slot, who’s trying so as to add extra tempo and directness to Liverpool’s transitions. Frimpong’s relationship with present Liverpool gamers could clean the transition, having shaped shut ties with Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo by means of the Netherlands nationwide crew.
Photograph IMAGO
He even teased followers lately throughout a light-hearted worldwide second when he greeted Gravenberch in a Scouse accent, saying, “Alright la. You alright? You alright, la?” The allure offensive hasn’t gone unnoticed at Anfield, and neither has his kind.
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With 44 assists and 29 objectives in 189 appearances for Leverkusen, Frimpong’s attacking output is unmatched for a full-back. His blistering tempo, technical dribbling, and positional intelligence make him a serious menace in counter-attacking programs, exactly the kind of participant Slot may utilise in huge overloads or inverted roles.
Squad evolution and tactical reshaping below Slot
Slot is predicted to be backed with important funds after securing Liverpool’s twentieth top-flight crown. Frimpong’s arrival would mark a transparent assertion concerning the supervisor’s intent to take care of the membership’s attacking edge from deep areas, notably in video games the place width and tempo are essential.
Photograph: IMAGO
Different targets embrace Milos Kerkez at left-back and Dean Huijsen in central defence, as uncertainty surrounds the long-term position of Jarell Quansah. In the meantime, Giorgi Mamardashvili’s impending arrival from Valencia exhibits the rebuild is already nicely underway.
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Frimpong’s contract clause makes him notably enticing in a summer season the place elite-level worth is scarce. His weekly wage at Leverkusen — reported at round £65,000 — would possible be upgraded at Anfield, and his business portfolio, together with a £20 million New Steadiness deal, underlines his rising profile.
Potential dangers and defensive considerations
Whereas his attacking traits are nicely documented, Frimpong shouldn’t be with out his limitations. Critics have famous his positional vulnerabilities and occasional lapses in defensive construction — considerations which echo these levelled at his potential predecessor, Alexander-Arnold.
Photograph IMAGO
Slot might have to regulate Liverpool’s form or guarantee robust assist from the right-sided centre-back to mitigate these dangers. Nonetheless, Frimpong’s upside far outweighs the drawbacks for a membership looking for evolution somewhat than revolution.
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For Liverpool followers, this looks like one of the crucial thrilling switch developments in current home windows. Frimpong is electrical, fearless, and will add one other dimension to their right-hand facet, particularly in a Slot system that prioritises overloads and excessive urgent.
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It’s a dream state of affairs: a Premier League-winning supervisor with a transparent plan, focusing on a participant out there at a fraction of what others may cost. £29.7 million for a participant who has delivered 73 direct aim contributions from right-back? That’s elite worth.
Sure, there are considerations about defensive solidity — however let’s be trustworthy, that’s been the trade-off with Trent too. What Frimpong affords is power, drive, and a relentless willingness to make issues occur. Think about him linking up with Salah and Szoboszlai down the precise. Think about him surging ahead at Anfield below the lights. It’s received all of the makings of one other fan favorite.
With the Dutch backbone already forming below Slot, Frimpong would really feel like a pure subsequent step on this new Liverpool period.