advancing

Liverpool’s recruitment drive underneath Premier League-winning boss Arne Slot has begun in earnest, with ’s David Ornstein reporting that the membership are “advancing in talks” to signal Bayer Leverkusen’s electrical right-back Jeremie Frimpong. In accordance with Ornstein, there’s “growing confidence from the participant’s camp {that a} deal for him to maneuver to Anfield will likely be struck.”

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Frimpong, 24, is seen as a extremely viable goal not just for his type but in addition his affordability. His launch clause—€35 million (£29.6m)—represents excellent worth in immediately’s inflated marketplace for a participant who has been certainly one of Europe’s most influential large defenders this season.

Private phrases, crucially, are usually not anticipated to be an impediment. The Dutchman is “eager on becoming a member of Liverpool”, and Leverkusen are stated to pay attention to the continuing discussions, which may conclude shortly after the Bundesliga season wraps up this Saturday.

Picture: IMAGO

Frimpong: Extra Wing Than Again

Frimpong’s numbers this season have been astonishing: 14 targets and 12 assists in 47 matches throughout all competitions for the Bundesliga champions. Mark Carey, additionally writing for The Athletic, observes that “Frimpong is about as attacking because it will get amongst right-backs within the recreation immediately.”

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Certainly, he’s “extra ‘wing’ than ‘again’,” usually utilised in a wing-back and even winger position underneath Xabi Alonso’s progressive system at Leverkusen. His verticality, off-ball motion, and relentless power may make him a robust attacking power at Anfield, particularly as Liverpool transition tactically underneath Slot.

SkillCorner’s monitoring highlights how Frimpong’s motion prioritises direct, ahead runs. He’s not a conventional build-up full-back, however reasonably one who thrives in chaos, exploiting area and stretching opposition defences.

Changing a Legend, Not Replicating Him

With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to depart for Actual Madrid in June, Frimpong’s arrival would sign a shift reasonably than a like-for-like alternative. Alexander-Arnold, recognized for orchestrating play from deep, will depart a artistic void. Nevertheless, Frimpong affords a extra penetrative profile—much less about tempo management, extra about breaking traces.

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“Frimpong could both need to adapt to enjoying a extra balanced position,” Carey writes, “or Slot would possible have to make some tactical tweaks to supply sufficient safety in the best channel.”

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Slot, having proven appreciable flexibility in his Feyenoord and now Liverpool setups, could properly relish the chance to reframe how Liverpool assault from large. The present construction, notably with Mohamed Salah extending his keep, will demand coordination. A front-footed full-back and Salah may crowd the identical area until midfield roles are adjusted accordingly.

Homegrown Standing and Tactical Flexibility

Frimpong’s Manchester Metropolis academy roots imply he qualifies as a ‘homegrown’ participant—an added bonus in squad registration phrases. Regardless of his ultra-attacking model, there’s versatility in his profile: he performed as a conventional right-back earlier in his Celtic profession and has stuffed that position for the Dutch nationwide staff.

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This historical past suggests he may supply tactical flexibility. Whereas not a carbon copy of Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong’s mix of tempo, intelligence, and productiveness offers Liverpool a brand new software with which to evolve their proper flank with out diluting their attacking efficiency.

Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation

It’s arduous to not get excited by this. Jeremie Frimpong isn’t simply one other title—he’s an announcement. Bringing in a Bundesliga champion who’s been working at an elite stage underneath Xabi Alonso is strictly the form of ambition we’ve come to count on from Arne Slot’s Liverpool.

Followers have been understandably involved with Trent leaving, however Frimpong doesn’t simply fill the hole—he alters the sport. Slot’s willingness to interrupt away from Klopp’s tactical legacy is courageous, and Frimpong could be the primary massive signal of what’s to return.

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Think about a proper facet with Frimpong bombing ahead, Salah slicing inside, and somebody like Dominik Szoboszlai or Harvey Elliott pulling strings within the half-spaces. Chaos for defenders. Slot’s high-pressing, attacking system would match Frimpong like a glove—no extra static build-ups, simply relentless vertical power.

The value tag? For a participant of this high quality in immediately’s market, it seems like a steal. Homegrown, Champions League-ready, and solely 24—this might be one of many smartest strikes of the summer season. All eyes on Saturday and past.