Liverpool Football Club have officially confirmed the signing of Dutch international Jeremie Frimpong from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, just hours after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-anticipated departure to Real Madrid was finalized. The Premier League champions acted swiftly to reinforce their right flank, sealing Frimpong’s transfer by activating a €35 million (£29.5 million) release clause in his contract.
Frimpong, 24, has signed a six-year deal at Anfield, with the total fee to be paid in three annual instalments. The timing of the deal was crucial, coming on the heels of Alexander-Arnold’s €10 million (£8.5m) switch to the Spanish capital. While comparisons between the two are inevitable, sources at the club suggest that new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot sees Frimpong as more than just a like-for-like replacement.
Slot reportedly values Frimpong’s dynamism and positional versatility, particularly on the right flank, where he could also serve as cover for Mohamed Salah, especially during the Egyptian’s expected absence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
What Frimpong Brings to Liverpool
Jeremie Frimpong arrives at Anfield as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking full-backs. Known for his electric pace, direct dribbling, and tireless energy, Frimpong was a key cog in Bayer Leverkusen’s domestic double-winning squad in 2023–24. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions in that season, followed by five goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances during the most recent campaign.
Frimpong’s profile is markedly different from the departed Alexander-Arnold. While the Englishman has been praised for his deep-lying playmaking and precision passing, Frimpong’s greatest asset lies in ball-carrying and advanced positioning. He thrives in the final third, often operating almost as a winger under former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
Statistically, Frimpong attempted 168 take-ons over the past two seasons, doubling Alexander-Arnold’s 82. In contrast, Alexander-Arnold completed 16 through balls compared to just two by Frimpong. This stylistic shift indicates a tactical evolution under Arne Slot, who may lean into Frimpong’s attacking instincts in a more vertical, high-tempo system.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Vision
New head coach Arne Slot has wasted no time in reshaping the Liverpool squad to match his footballing ideology. Frimpong’s arrival underscores Slot’s intent to diversify the team’s approach. While Alexander-Arnold was often instructed to stay deeper in possession or invert into midfield, Frimpong’s skillset allows him to advance higher up the pitch and stretch the opposition vertically.
This could open up new dynamics in the Liverpool attack, particularly with Mohamed Salah. If Frimpong overlaps aggressively down the right, Salah may have license to drift centrally, creating numerical advantages in the box. Slot has already reduced Salah’s defensive workload, which could pair well with Frimpong’s relentless forward runs.
The Dutch full-back also adds to the growing Dutch influence at Anfield, joining international teammates Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch. Frimpong spoke glowingly of Slot during his first interview, citing the manager’s confidence in him as a key reason for joining. “He says I can bring a lot of energy and my speed,” Frimpong said. “I’m really excited to work with him.”
Not Just a Replacement – A New Dimension
While many fans assumed Frimpong was brought in as a direct replacement for Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool insiders insist the signing represents more than simple succession. Conor Bradley, 21, ended last season as Liverpool’s starting right-back and recently signed a new four-year deal. His development means that Frimpong’s role may be rotational, tactical, or even dual-positioned.
Frimpong’s capacity to play further forward also adds competition and cover on the right wing, which is particularly valuable with Salah’s potential AFCON absence looming. Moreover, his Bundesliga experience and European pedigree make him a ready-made contributor for a squad aiming to defend their Premier League crown and compete deep into the UEFA Champions League.
Celtic, Frimpong’s former club, also stand to benefit from this deal. A sell-on clause in his 2021 transfer to Leverkusen is expected to earn the Scottish giants around £5 million. Liverpool, meanwhile, had been tracking Frimpong since his youth days at Manchester City’s academy and nearly signed him into their youth ranks before he chose Celtic.
Looking Ahead: Depth, Flexibility, and Title Defense
The signing of Jeremie Frimpong reflects Liverpool’s strategic approach to squad-building ahead of the 2024–25 season. After reclaiming the Premier League title, the Reds are doubling down on depth, athleticism, and tactical flexibility—principles that define Slot’s coaching philosophy.
Frimpong’s versatility not only provides depth but also pushes competition within the squad. With Conor Bradley developing rapidly and Joe Gomez still capable of filling in, Slot now has multiple tools at his disposal to tailor his right-sided structure based on the opposition and match situation.
With a robust backline, a refreshed midfield, and new tactical ideas under Slot, Liverpool seem poised to evolve past the Alexander-Arnold era without losing their competitive edge. The Frimpong signing marks both an end and a beginning—one that fans will watch closely as the Reds prepare for the challenges of another title race.
