Liverpool could sign 'the second-best right-back in world football' as Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement: report

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Anfield on February 16, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool are interested in signing "the second-best right-back in the world" this summer, who is available for a bargain price as they look for a Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement.

With Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool still uncertain, with the Englishman's contract expiring in the summer, the Reds are looking at alternative players to bring to Anfield. Real Madrid remain the most likely destination for the right-back if he does leave.

But while Conor Bradley has performed well for Arne Slot this term when called upon, the Premier League leaders are keen on adding a similar level of quality to Alexander-Arnold. They might not have to spend much in doing so, either, with a £33m deal potentially available.

Liverpool could land Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement for £33.1m

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract in the summer

Alexander-Arnold looks set to depart Liverpool in the summer (Image credit: Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong - who ranked at no.2 in FourFourTwo's list of the best right-backs in the world right now, second to only Trent Alexander-Arnold - is reportedly being chased by Liverpool, following his impressive exploits in the Bundesliga over the past 18 months.

The Dutch full-back proved integral to Xabi Alonso's side as they went unbeaten last term, with Frimpong scoring nine goals and making seven assists in the German top flight alone, though admittedly while playing as a wing-back. He has three goals and five assists this campaign.

Liverpool target Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer 04 Leverkusen controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Salzburg at BayArena on November 26, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. Liverpool replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Frimpong is a top quality right-back (Image credit: Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

According to Teamtalk, Frimpong has a "gentleman's agreement" with Bayer Leverkusen allowing him to leave for just £33.1m in the summer, with Liverpool interested in signing him.

That price is the same as Frimpong's release clause in the summer of 2024, which has since expired. With the 24-year-old still having a contract at Leverkusen that will run until 2028, the cut-price deal reflects an agreement between the player and club.

Though there are reservations at Anfield over his suitability for playing in Arne Slot's system, the recruitment department still "appreciate" him for his versatility and ability to play effectively in both attack and defence.

Transfermarkt values Frimpong at £41.3m.

Jeremie Frimpong of Netherlands poses for a portrait during the Netherlands Portrait session ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 Germany on June 03, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Liverpool replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Frimpong formed part of the Euro 2024 Netherlands squad (Image credit: Lukas Schulze - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

In FourFourTwo's view, if that gentleman's agreement is correct then £33.1m is an absolute bargain for a player of Frimpong's quality. It seems unlikely that Leverkusen would be willing to let him leave for such a low price, however, with that agreement likely related to a more substantial transfer fee.

Liverpool remain in Premier League action on Sunday when they head to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.