Liverpool are now seriously keen on a second defensive signing alongside their widely reported move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool closing in on Frimpong deal – Ornstein
The Reds have wasted no time seeking out a replacement for the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong being identified as a key target, after it emerged the Dutchman was keen on a move to Anfield last week.
Such is their level of interest, Slot’s side are looking to wrap up a move for the full-back quickly, and it appears as though a move for the 24-year-old is edging close to completion. David Ornstein reporting on Thursday morning that Liverpool are advancing to sign Frimpong and there is “increasing confidence” from the player’s camp that a roughly £30m deal will be struck.
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Liverpool could be about to take advantage and make a swoop for a top European-level talent.
However, a report from The Mail reveals he is not the only Dutch defender on Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes’ shortlist – Liverpool may also look at bringing in RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida. In fact, signing Geertruida is considered a serious possibility, despite the interest in Frimpong, particularly considering Slot knows the former Feyenoord man very well from the time the successful period they spent together at the Eredivisie club.
The Reds have a good relationship with RB Leipzig, which could potentially make a deal more likely to transpire, with signing the Dutchman deemed an attractive proposition, given his versatility, having proven himself in central defence and even midfield.
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U23 Football Scout Antonio Mango is clearly a big fan of the Leipzig defender, having described him as “monumental” in the past, while also lauding the Netherlands international for his technical ability. His ableness to play multiple positions makes signing both players a real possibility, adding depth up and down the right flank as well as at centre-back in two quick swoops.
While Frimpong has caught the eye going forward, there are concerns that his explosive dribbling style isn’t suitable for Slot’s system, with the Liverpool manager preferring more conventional full-backs, so the Leverkusen man could even be used further up as cover for Mohamed Salah.
The £77k-a-week Leipzig defender meanwhile could be an ideal fit in a traditional back four, given that he is also able to slot in at centre-back when required, featuring in the middle of the defence only slightly less than as a right-back throughout his career to date.
Another added bonus is the fact that Slot knows he can rely on Geertruida, given the success they enjoyed together at Feyenoord, with a Dutch journalist previously describing the 24-year-old as an “Arne Slot favourite”, underlining the manager’s admiration for his former player.
