Liverpool Accelerate Right-Back Search as Jeremie Frimpong Fails to Convince

Key facts

• Jeremie Frimpong arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2025 as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
• Frimpong has provided two Premier League assists (vs. Wolves and West Ham) and scored once in the FA Cup (vs. Barnsley).
• Conor Bradley is sidelined long-term with injury, leaving Liverpool short at right-back.
• Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown stated that Liverpool are 'definitely looking to sign a new right-back.'
• Liverpool opted against a mid-season move for a right-back but plan to prioritize the position in the summer transfer window.
• Frimpong has been deployed both at right-back and on the wing, showing pace and dribbling but defensive vulnerabilities.

A Troubled Succession at Anfield

When Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025, the intention was clear: to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had departed for Real Madrid. The Dutch full-back, a wing-back under Xabi Alonso in the Bundesliga, was seen as a dynamic, modern replacement. Yet a year on, the question of whether Frimpong can truly succeed Alexander-Arnold remains unanswered. Frimpong has shown flashes of promise — his pace and dribbling have troubled defenders, and he has contributed two Premier League assists against Wolves and West Ham, plus a goal in the FA Cup against Barnsley. But these moments have been interspersed with injury layoffs and defensive frailties that have left the coaching staff unconvinced.

Injuries and Inconsistency Force a Rethink

Frimpong’s debut season has been marred by a series of injuries that have kept him sidelined for large spells. When fit, his performances have been erratic. He has looked vulnerable defensively, particularly in the air, and his game lacks the refinement expected of a top-tier full-back in a back four. The problem has been compounded by a long-term injury to Conor Bradley, Liverpool’s other right-back option, leaving the position critically undermanned. According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, Frimpong’s inconsistency has become a pressing issue. “Frimpong was the one they brought in as the replacement, but Slot isn’t convinced by him,” Brown said. “Coming off the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, Frimpong has proved he’s not really up to it, so that’s three right-backs ruled out.”

Liverpool’s Transfer Plans Accelerate

Liverpool are now accelerating their plans to sign a new right-back ahead of the summer transfer window. The club had considered a mid-season move in January but ultimately decided against it, deeming the position not a priority at that time. However, with Frimpong’s struggles and Bradley’s long-term absence, the recruitment team at Anfield has been forced to reassess. Brown confirmed the club’s intent: “Liverpool are definitely looking to sign a new right-back. Conor Bradley has done a fantastic job when he’s been fit, but that latest injury was a massive blow to him and to Liverpool as well.” The club remains on course for Champions League qualification, but a poor season overall has prompted early transfer planning.

Frimpong’s Role in Question

Frimpong’s deployment has itself become a subject of debate. While he has looked more effective when played as a winger — using his pace and dribbling to stretch defenses — his end product in that role has been lacking. This raises fundamental questions about his best position. At right-back, his defensive limitations are exposed; on the wing, his creativity and finishing fall short. One Liverpool supporter questioned why the club bought “a different type of player, a roadrunner, compared to Trent’s unique creative style.” A year on, that question remains unresolved. The creative burden at right-back has instead been shouldered by Dominik Szoboszlai, whose burgeoning season has provided the service Liverpool once relied on from Alexander-Arnold.

The Stakes for Liverpool’s Summer

Liverpool’s summer transfer window now carries significant weight. The club must find a right-back who can provide both defensive solidity and attacking impetus — a balance Frimpong has not achieved. With Bradley’s return date uncertain, the need for a reliable starter is acute. The decision to move for a new right-back also reflects broader concerns about squad depth. Liverpool’s intense summer of 2025 saw multiple signings, but the failure of one key acquisition to settle has exposed the fragility of the rebuild. As the club prepares for the summer market, the search for a right-back has become a top priority.

A Crossroads for Frimpong and Liverpool

For Frimpong, the coming months will be critical. He has shown shoots of growth — two assists and a goal in limited appearances — but the level of production must improve if he is to secure a long-term future at Anfield. His ability to adapt to a back four, refine his defensive positioning, and contribute consistently will determine whether he can still become the player Liverpool hoped for. For Liverpool, the right-back position has become a symbol of the challenges in replacing irreplaceable talent. The club’s ability to find the right solution this summer will shape not only their defense but their entire tactical approach under Arne Slot.

The bottom line

• Jeremie Frimpong has failed to establish himself as a reliable replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injuries and inconsistent performances.
• Liverpool are now prioritizing a new right-back signing in the summer transfer window, with Conor Bradley also sidelined long-term.
• Frimpong has shown attacking promise with two assists and a goal but has defensive weaknesses, particularly in the air and in a back four.
• The club opted against a mid-season move but now sees right-back as a critical need after assessing Frimpong’s performances.
• Dominik Szoboszlai has taken on much of the creative burden from right-back, highlighting Liverpool’s tactical adjustment.
• Frimpong’s future at Liverpool hinges on his ability to refine his game and prove he can meet the demands of a top Premier League full-back.