Paul Joyce: Liverpool to trigger clause as summer business starts to take shape | OneFootball

Liverpool Set to Land Frimpong as Post-Title Rebuild Begins

Slot’s First Move Signals Intent

Liverpool are preparing to trigger Jeremie Frimpong’s £30 million release clause, marking the first significant move of Arne Slot’s era at Anfield. As reported by Paul Joyce of The Times, the Dutch full-back is set to become the opening act in a summer that could see Liverpool begin to reshape not only their squad but their on-pitch identity.

Frimpong, 24, arrives with pedigree and promise. A product of Manchester City’s academy and a proven asset at Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen, he is viewed as a perfect fit for Slot’s fluid tactical blueprint. “Frimpong’s versatility makes him an attractive proposition for Arne Slot’s side,” Joyce notes, and it’s that very adaptability that makes the deal feel like more than a simple squad addition.

His ability to operate as a right wing-back or even in advanced attacking roles, as he did with the Netherlands in recent Nations League fixtures, brings immediate tactical flexibility. And crucially, his background at City means he qualifies as a homegrown player, offering Liverpool logistical value under Premier League registration rules.

Planning for Life Without Trent

The move comes at a time of transition. The expected departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid—on a free transfer no less—has prompted Liverpool’s hierarchy to act swiftly. Slot, sporting director Richard Hughes, and FSG’s chief of football Michael Edwards appear aligned in their desire to future-proof the right flank.

Conor Bradley remains highly regarded within the club, with the medical and performance teams now focusing on easing his injury record. “The club’s medical and performance department will work on a plan to help the Northern Ireland international overcome the fitness issues that have held him back,” Joyce writes. But the arrival of Frimpong would ensure there is no overreliance on an emerging talent still on the path to full durability.

Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones have all deputised on the right side of defence in recent months, but Frimpong’s profile suggests a more progressive and permanent solution.

Leverkusen Links and Wirtz Temptation

Interestingly, Frimpong may not be the only Leverkusen player under Liverpool’s microscope. Florian Wirtz, long admired at Anfield, remains a dream signing. “Should he show an inclination to move to the Premier League this summer then the champions will make a strong pitch,” Joyce reports. However, Liverpool’s hope appears fragile in this chase, with Bayern Munich currently favourites and Manchester City also circling.

Wirtz’s numbers—79 goal involvements in 93 appearances over two seasons—suggest a player capable of transforming any team’s attacking fortunes. While such a transfer may ultimately prove elusive, Liverpool are prepared to act if the opportunity arises.

Frimpong’s Desire and Slot’s Vision

Frimpong’s eagerness to move to Merseyside is not in doubt. With international teammates Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch already in the Liverpool fold, the appeal is strong. Personal terms have already been discussed, and Liverpool are poised to make the formal approach to Bayer Leverkusen after their final Bundesliga match against Mainz this weekend.

His signing would be a statement—not only of intent but of cohesion. Slot appears to have been given a degree of autonomy and support from Liverpool’s footballing structure that echoes the Klopp years, even as the club moves into a new tactical age.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans may view this move as an exciting but slightly bittersweet development. Losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, a generational talent from the club’s own academy, will sting. His departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer raises inevitable questions about contract management and long-term planning. But Frimpong isn’t just a panic buy. He fits the mould of modern full-backs who are just as dangerous in the final third as they are dependable at the back.

The fact that Frimpong is enthusiastic about the move and already has ties with key Dutch figures in the squad makes the transition smoother. Supporters will remember how Klopp often turned versatile players into system-defining ones, and there’s hope Slot can do the same.

As for Wirtz, there’s no shame in being outsiders in that race. Bayern and City have more money and perhaps more influence at this moment, but Liverpool showing ambition at that level is a sign of renewed confidence.

Frimpong may not be a marquee name, but he could well become a marquee performer under the right conditions. And in a summer of possible upheaval, getting such a deal done early is a rare and welcome show of decisiveness.