With right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold looking increasingly likely to depart Liverpool this summer, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land a replacement this summer.
The 26-year-old has reportedly agreed a pre-contract with Real Madrid over a move to join the Spanish giants at the end of the season upon the expiration of his current deal.
His goal against Leicester City at the weekend may have been his last for his boyhood club, edging Arne Slot’s side one step closer to Premier League glory.
Conor Bradley has been the man to step up and fill the void in Trent’s injury absence in recent weeks, staking his claim for a regular starting role should he leave in the summer.
Regardless of whether the Northern Ireland international becomes a regular starter, depth is needed in such a department, offering depth to Slot throughout 2025/26.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong this summer
In recent weeks, Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool in the right-back department, offering a replacement for the departing Trent.
The Dutchman, who currently plies his trade with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, has been firmly on the club’s radar, but no offer has been submitted for his services as of yet.
The interest is understandable given his form in 2024/25, registering four goals and nine assists across all competitions – including the Champions League.
It remains unclear how much the club would have to fork out for the Dutch international, but given his form and his tender age of just 24, he could cost a pretty penny in the coming months.
However, despite the interest in his signature, the hierarchy are also huge admirers of Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, opening the door to a potential summer move.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Reds have already started work over a move for the 28-year-old, who may well be out of contract come the end of June.
Why Liverpool should forget about Frimpong with a move for a PL RB
This summer is a crucial one for Liverpool if they are to maintain their success at the top of England’s top flight, with additions needed in various positions to boost Slot’s chances of further success.
New attackers are undoubtedly on the list, potentially partnering with Mohamed Salah within the final third after the Egyptian’s contract extension in recent weeks.
However, it remains to be seen how much funding the hierarchy will hand the manager to make his desired transfers, having to potentially work on a restricted budget.
Such a situation could see cheaper alternatives considered, with a move for Aina potentially being just that, but the club would still be getting themselves one hell of a player.
When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of Frimpong’s, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to the current first-team squad.
The Forest star, who’s been labelled as “one of the best fullbacks in Europe this season” by European football expert Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer goals and assists, but has notched a higher take-on success rate, and more progressive passes – highlighting the threat he possesses in possession.
He’s also completed more of his passes, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering an all-round presence on the right-hand side of Slot’s backline.
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How Ola Aina compares to Jeremie Frimpong in 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Aina |
Frimpong |
|
Games played |
30 |
30 |
|
Goals & assists |
3 |
9 |
|
Progressive passes |
3.2 |
2.1 |
|
Pass accuracy |
77% |
76% |
|
Tackles won |
1.4 |
0.9 |
|
Interceptions made |
1.1 |
0.4 |
|
Take-on success |
45% |
28% |
|
Aerials won |
40% |
34% |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
Defensively, Aina has been phenomenal, massively outperforming Frimpong in such an area, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also making more interceptions – showcasing the qualities he could add to the already impressive defensive unit.
Whilst the Dutchman is likely to be their main target, a deal for Aina desperately needs to be explored, having all the tools to be a success at Anfield.
It certainly could be a cost-effective deal for the Forest star, allowing for added investment elsewhere, whilst also massively improving the situation should Trent depart.
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