Frimpong Joins Liverpool as Reds Target Wirtz in Record Breaking Deal

Liverpool have officially secured the signing of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, the Premier League champions announced on Friday. Although the club has not disclosed financial details, multiple British outlets report that Frimpong has agreed to a five-year contract worth €35 million (£29.5 million), following the activation of his release clause.

Frimpong’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment, with Liverpool confirming that long-serving right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is heading to Real Madrid, a deal expected to be finalized before the Club World Cup. The 24-year-old Frimpong is widely seen as a direct replacement.

A key figure in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win in the 2023/24 season, Frimpong made 53 appearances across all competitions. Despite Leverkusen finishing as runners-up this year, his impact on the pitch remained undeniable.

The new signing will face immediate competition for the starting right-back role, with 20-year-old Conor Bradley recently extending his Liverpool contract for four more years after an impressive breakthrough season.

Frimpong, who started his career in Manchester City’s youth system before moving to Celtic in 2019, later joined Leverkusen in early 2021. At Liverpool, he’ll be reunited with several familiar faces, joining a growing Dutch contingent that includes head coach Arne Slot and fellow countrymen Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also pushing to sign Frimpong’s former Leverkusen teammate, Florian Wirtz. According to reports, the club has submitted a second offer of £109 million ($146 million), which includes performance-based add-ons. If accepted, it would make Wirtz the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history.

Despite interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Wirtz is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is one of Europe’s hottest young talents and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023/24. He scored 10 goals in 31 league appearances this season and has tallied 57 goals in 197 games for Leverkusen since making his debut at 17.

Liverpool’s bold moves in the transfer market signal a new era under Slot, aiming to build on their recent Premier League triumph with a refreshed and youthful squad.