Liverpool FC Signs Jeremie Frimpong
Liverpool Football Club has officially added Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong to their roster after activating his €35 million (£29.6 million; $39.3 million) release clause from Bayer Leverkusen. This marks the culmination of negotiations that began last Saturday, following which Frimpong underwent a medical examination and finalized a five-year contract with the Premier League champions. The transfer fee will be divided into three installments over a span of three years.
Frimpong’s Impressive Performance
At just 24 years old, Frimpong has made a significant impact at Leverkusen, contributing 14 goals and 12 assists during the 2023-24 Bundesliga season, a performance that helped his team secure their first league title. This season, he continued his impressive form by adding another five goals and 12 assists in 48 matches, which included a memorable run to the round of 16 in the Champions League as they finished second in the Bundesliga.
Contract Details and Club Dynamics
Frimpong’s contract with Leverkusen was recently extended until 2028, just months before his move to Liverpool. He initially joined the German club from Celtic in 2021 under a four-year deal.
His transfer to Liverpool follows the confirmed departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, although the club does not consider Frimpong as a direct successor to the established right-back. Additionally, Conor Bradley, who operates in the same defensive position, has signed a new contract keeping him at Anfield until 2029.
Frimpong’s Versatility
In Leverkusen’s final matchup of the Bundesliga season against Mainz, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate, Frimpong was an unused substitute, witnessing Xabi Alonso’s last game as head coach of the German side before he officially joined Real Madrid. Frimpong’s skill set allows him to function in various roles on the pitch, making him a valuable addition for Liverpool coach Arne Slot as he looks to optimize team performance ahead of the upcoming competition, including the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations where star player Mohamed Salah is expected to participate.
Strategic Importance for Liverpool
Liverpool’s acquisition of Frimpong is notable not only for his attacking prowess—highlighted by his status as one of the more offensive-minded full-backs currently playing—but also for his classification as a ‘homegrown’ player due to his tenure at Manchester City’s youth academy, which aligns with Premier League registration rules.
Frimpong’s versatility and attacking flair—operating effectively as a wing-back or winger—should provide Liverpool with different tactical options. His previous experiences with a more restrained right-back role during his time at Celtic and with the Netherlands national team could aid in adapting to Slot’s system, particularly considering the dynamic nature of Liverpool’s attacking play, which includes managing space effectively with strong defensive contributions from the likes of Ibrahima Konate.
With Frimpong’s signing, Liverpool has underlined their ambitions for the summer and their desire to strengthen their squad further after clinching the Premier League title with four games remaining last season.
