Liverpool have been rocked by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Anfield on a free transfer this summer and join Real Madrid, perhaps the club’s biggest rival overseas since Jurgen Klopp first arrived.
Los Blancos bested Jurgen Klopp in two Champions League finals, after all. But players are wired differently to fans; they don’t have the same sense of allegiance.
And that’s not to Trent’s discredit. Few fans could truly berate any player their decision to try something new, should they only conduct themselves in the right manner.
At the end of the day, Alexander-Arnold is one of the game’s very most gifted, and he’s Liverpool’s homegrown hero besides. The local lad, the scouser in the team. The 26-year-old is swapping red for white this summer, having, frankly, swerved fans and chatter throughout the campaign. The boos chorused around Anfield, and maybe he needed to hear them.
Ultimately, there’s little that needs to be said on that front. Trent will leave and Liverpool must get on with it. Arne Slot is, by his own admission, “disappointed”, but the Dutch coach has already proven himself capable of overcoming adversity.
The Premier League title is Liverpool’s once more, and plans are already being drawn to replace Alexander-Arnold and go again next season. Jeremie Frimpong appears to be the man for the job.
Liverpool advancing talks for Frimpong
Change is afoot at Bayer Leverkusen. It’s been a disappointing season for Die Werkself, in a way, for they have failed to build on last season’s incredible title triumphs by adding more silverware to the cabinet.
Xabi Alonso will now replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Real Madrid dugout, and Frimpong, 24, is set to try his hand at something new too. The right-sider has been electric and effective on the wing at Leverkusen in recent years, instrumental in winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles last season, and undefeated at that.
For a shrewd €35m (£30m) outlay, owing to his release clause, it’s a move which makes a whole lot of sense, especially since Conor Bradley is being backed to continue his efforts as a first-team regular.
Liverpool’s move for Frimpong won’t break the bank but will bolster the backline with an exciting part. Let’s not forget, Liverpool are looking to make a fair few moves this summer.
Liverpool chasing new playmaking star
Frimpong is an exciting player, but he’s not got the same aura as his teammate, Florian Wirtz. There’s been plenty of noise recently relating to the German’s future, with Bayern Munich firmly ahead in the race to secure his signature.
However, a spanner may yet be thrown in the works. As per Kölner Stadt Anzeiger – via correspondent DaveOCKOP – Liverpool have opened talks with Wirtz’s representatives ahead of the summer window, who are feeling rather frustrated by erroneous reports that Bayern are on the brink of striking a deal.
Manchester City, who expect to part with Kevin De Bruyne, have also made contact. This could be the dream signing for the Reds, for sure, but the competition is thick and Wirtz would likely cost something in the ballpark of €150m (£126m).
Why Florian Wirtz would be the dream signing
Liverpool need to invest while they are on top, ensuring Slot is rewarded for his sensational Premier League triumph. Wirtz, who can play across the frontline, is only 22 but already stands proud as one of the finest attacking midfielders in Europe, described as “one of the world’s biggest talents” by scout Jacek Kulig.
Attacking midfield
169
48
57
Left winger
21
4
5
Right winger
17
8
5
Centre-forward
15
7
7
Central midfield
5
0
3
The data speaks for itself. Wirtz has already clinched 123 goal involvements across only 196 senior appearances with Leverkusen.
He’s one of the finest out there, and that’s why Liverpool must throw the kitchen sink at sealing a deal. Alexander-Arnold has been Liverpool’s creative lifeblood over the past eight years, but this German maestro could relocalise Slot’s playmaking hub.
As per FBref, Wirtz ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal contributions, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.
Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.
This level of ball-playing expertise is something that Liverpool could really do with placing into their ranks with Alexander-Arnold leaving. Frimpong will add a dimension, but he’s not an outright playmaker by any stretch.
Sofascore further the argument, revealing that the Germany international has created 17 big chances across 30 Bundesliga matches this term, averaging nearly two key passes every fixture.
Moreover, the Dutch defender will be expected to jockey with Bradley for a starting spot, whereas few would argue Wirtz would be anything other than a superstar in Slot’s Liverpool.
Kulig has also declared Wirtz a “little genius” after his extraordinary efforts in recent years, overcoming an ACL injury to retain his immense athleticism and hard-edged attacking approach.
This season alone, he’s plundered 16 goals and 15 assists from 44 outings in all competitions for Leverkusen. After picking up the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year award as an invincible champion in 2023/24, he’s certainly proved himself.
Make no mistake, Frimpong would be an excellent signing for Liverpool, but this deal would surely take the cake. In fact, it might prove to be the finest bit of business FSG have completed over the past decade, and they’ve hit the jackpot more than a few times.
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