Liverpool cool on right-back search despite Frimpong struggles
Liverpool have reportedly decided against prioritising the signing of a new right-back this summer, despite enduring a difficult first season from Jeremie Frimpong. According to a report from The Athletic, the club's hierarchy, Fenway Sports Group, no longer views the position as an area requiring immediate reinforcement, shifting focus to other parts of the squad.
Frimpong joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a fee of £29.5 million, tasked with filling the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid. The Dutch international arrived with a strong reputation as an attacking force, having contributed significantly to Leverkusen's success, but his debut campaign on Merseyside has been underwhelming. Hampered by hamstring issues, Frimpong has managed only two goals and two assists in 31 appearances, a sharp decline from his output in Germany.
The 25-year-old's form has attracted criticism, most notably from former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby. Speaking on the Anfield Index podcast, Molby questioned whether Frimpong possesses the all-round qualities required for a top-four Premier League side, citing concerns over his physicality and defensive maturity. "I've always been a little bit critical, because look beyond his pace and then tell me where are the top four Premier League qualities. I don't see it," Molby said.
Liverpool's right-back options have been further strained by a season-ending knee injury to Conor Bradley in January, leaving Arne Slot with limited alternatives. This had led to consistent speculation linking the club with potential replacements, including Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries and Feyenoord's Lutsharel Geertruida, a player Slot knows well from his time in the Netherlands.
However, The Athletic's Gregg Evans reports that 'signing another right-back isn’t seen as a priority' for the upcoming transfer window. The club's recruitment team believes several other areas require more urgent attention. Liverpool are expected to seek a long-term successor for left-back Andy Robertson and are also in the market for a right winger to eventually take over from Mohamed Salah. The future of midfielder Alexis Mac Allister remains uncertain, while interest from Juventus in goalkeeper Alisson Becker could also force the club into the market.
The decision represents a significant vote of confidence in Frimpong's ability to adapt and improve in his second season, assuming he can overcome his fitness problems. It also suggests that Bradley is viewed as a viable option upon his return from injury. For now, Liverpool's transfer strategy will channel resources away from the right flank, betting on internal solutions to address a position that has been problematic throughout the current campaign.
