Liverpool FC have announced the signing of Dutch international Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, marking a swift and strategic move to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has sealed a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.
The reigning English Premier League champions confirmed Frimpong’s arrival on Friday, though the club has not officially disclosed the transfer fee or the duration of the contract. However, British media reports suggest the 24-year-old defender has signed a five-year deal worth €35 million (£29.5 million). Liverpool are believed to have triggered Frimpong’s release clause.
Frimpong’s transfer was revealed just hours after Liverpool confirmed Alexander-Arnold’s exit. The England right-back will join Spanish giants Real Madrid ahead of this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, bringing an end to his illustrious spell at Anfield.
Frimpong, known for his pace, attacking flair, and defensive tenacity, is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Alexander-Arnold. He played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga-winning 2023/24 season, the club’s first-ever top-flight title. Over the course of the current season, he made 53 appearances across all competitions, helping Leverkusen finish as Bundesliga runners-up.
While Frimpong is expected to slot directly into the starting lineup, he will face competition for the right-back position from 20-year-old Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley. Bradley recently signed a new four-year deal with Liverpool and is viewed as a key prospect for the future.
Frimpong’s move also reunites him with a growing Dutch presence at Anfield, including new manager Arne Slot, club captain Virgil van Dijk, and fellow internationals Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch. Frimpong began his career in the Manchester City academy, before moving to Celtic in 2019 and then to Leverkusen in January 2021, where he developed into one of Europe’s most dynamic full-backs.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s transfer activity is far from over. The club is in advanced negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen to sign German midfield star Florian Wirtz. Reports indicate Liverpool have submitted an improved £109 million ($146 million) bid, which includes performance-based add-ons that could make Wirtz the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Wirtz, 22, has rapidly risen to prominence as one of Europe’s premier playmakers. He was instrumental in Leverkusen’s 2023/24 Bundesliga title win, earning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award. In the 2024/25 campaign, Wirtz scored 10 goals in 31 league matches, contributing significantly to Leverkusen’s second-place finish. Since making his debut for Leverkusen at just 17 after transferring from Cologne in 2020, he has scored 57 goals in 197 appearances.
Despite reported interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Wirtz is said to have made it clear that Liverpool is his preferred destination. His signing would further bolster Liverpool’s midfield and signal their intent to remain at the top of English and European football under Arne Slot’s leadership.
As Liverpool begin a new era, the double swoop of Frimpong and potentially Wirtz highlights the club’s ambition and strategic recruitment aimed at sustaining success following a transitional period in management and squad evolution.
Written By Rodney Mbua
