Report: Liverpool To Battle European Rivals in €35m Transfer Battle | OneFootball

Liverpool Target Frimpong Amid Right-Back Shake-Up

As Liverpool prepare for a significant shift in their defensive identity, Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a priority target. The Bayer Leverkusen star, fresh from a title-winning Bundesliga campaign, now finds himself at the heart of a three-way tug-of-war involving the Reds, Barcelona, and Aston Villa.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving, the urgency in Liverpool’s recruitment strategy is no longer theoretical. Talks have already begun with Frimpong’s representatives, as DaveOCKop exclusively revealed, and a €35 million (£29.6 million) release clause structured in four instalments could allow Liverpool to sidestep a drawn-out negotiation with Leverkusen.

Frimpong’s Rise and Anfield Appeal

At just 24, Frimpong has emerged as a key figure in Leverkusen’s system under Xabi Alonso, contributing 4 goals and 12 assists in 35 Bundesliga appearances. His profile fits Liverpool’s long-term mould: a pacey, attack-minded full-back comfortable operating high up the pitch and capable of shifting between defensive solidity and offensive flair.

His Manchester City academy background also boosts his value due to homegrown registration advantages – crucial as Liverpool brace for potential departures of not only Alexander-Arnold but also Caoimhin Kelleher.

The deal’s structure, mirroring Liverpool’s acquisition of Dominik Szoboszlai last summer, indicates a commitment to efficiency. “The clause’s activation mechanism allows the Reds to bypass prolonged haggling with Leverkusen,” the original report noted, underscoring the proactive stance being taken behind the scenes.

European Competition: Barcelona and Villa Enter the Race

Frimpong’s appeal stretches far beyond Merseyside. Both Barcelona and Aston Villa are monitoring the Dutch international closely, and both have good reason.

Barcelona’s long-standing issues at right-back – further exacerbated by Jules Kounde’s fitness troubles – have left them scrambling for stability. Eric García and Héctor Fort are makeshift options in a system that demands defensive discipline and recovery pace, two areas where Frimpong thrives.

“His pace would be invaluable for any recoveries with how high Hansi Flick stations his defensive line,” the report states, painting a vivid picture of Frimpong’s tactical fit in Catalonia.

Photo: IMAGO

Villa, meanwhile, are building with Champions League football in mind. Unai Emery’s side have been punching above their weight, but filling gaps in their squad – particularly at right-back, where Ezri Konsa has been a stopgap – is essential. Whether they can persuade Frimpong to join remains uncertain, despite their financial muscle. “It is unlikely that Villa will be able to persuade Frimpong to move to the Midlands,” the report adds, reflecting the player’s Anfield preference.

Strategic Timing and Long-Term Vision

Liverpool’s interest in Frimpong feels both timely and strategic. With a modest release clause and a homegrown tag, he ticks multiple boxes. There is also an emotional undercurrent: Frimpong, reportedly “extremely keen on a move to Anfield”, could see Merseyside as both a sporting and spiritual homecoming after his formative years in Manchester.

For Bayer Leverkusen, who will only net 70% of the transfer fee due to Celtic’s 30% sell-on clause, this summer marks the closing of another chapter. For Liverpool, it may be the beginning of a new one.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Jeremie Frimpong feels like a Liverpool signing in the making. Quick, technical, aggressive in transitions – his profile is a near-ideal replacement for Trent. Fans might mourn the loss of one of their own in Alexander-Arnold, but a Frimpong arrival wouldn’t signal a downgrade. If anything, it’s a chance to recalibrate.

His Bundesliga form under Alonso was electric, and his versatility down the right could bring Liverpool back some of the width and verticality that’s gone missing since the full-backs’ influence has waned. Add in the homegrown status and modest fee, and this feels like one of those classic pre-emptive Liverpool deals.

The biggest risk? Waiting too long. Barcelona’s interest is real and Villa – with their recent surge – can’t be taken lightly. If this is a case of player preference tipping the balance, Liverpool need to move fast and get it over the line. No one wants another Bellingham saga.

In short: sign him, and sign him now.