Jeremie Frimpong could be on his way to Liverpool (Picture: Getty ) Liverpool are set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer – but Arne Slot’s side appear to be wasting no time in recruiting a potential replacement. Alexander-Arnold has been a lynchpin for the Merseyside club since his breakthrough into the first team, providing a constant source of creativity down the right flank. But having helped guide Liverpool to a second Premier League title, the Englishman is set for pastures new, with a move to Real Madrid beckoning. Replacing Alexander-Arnold is no easy feat, but Liverpool appear to have moved quickly and identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as their ideal candidate. The Dutchman has a €35 million (£29.6m) release clause in his deal with Leverkusen with talks advancing between boths clubs and the player. Frimpong’s arrival at Anfield would see him become only Arne Slot’s second outfield signing since his arrival last summer – but what can Liverpool fans expect from the 24-year-old? At a glance: How does he compare to Trent Alexander-Arnold? How would he suit Arne Slot’s side? Frimpong’s early years Frimpong came through the academy at Manchester City (Picture: Getty) While Frimpong’s rise has occured on the continent, the defender first honed his game in England having joined the Manchester City academy at age nine. While not breaking through at City, Frimpong eventually moved to Celtic in 2019. It didn’t take long for him to impress, and he was awarded the club’s Young Player of the Year award after helping them achieve a domestic treble in his first season. Clubs quickly circled, however, and Frimpong eventually left Celtic midway through his second season, joining Leverkusen in the January of his second season. Excelling under Xabi Alonso Frimpong has thrived under Xabi Alonso (Picture: Getty) After a solid start in Germany, Frimpong has only gone from strength to strength since the arrival of Xabi Alonso in October 2022. In particular, the Spaniard’s decision to move to a back three and deploy Frimpong as a marauding right wing-back unlocked the Dutchman’s attacking threat. Frimpong scored just once in his first year and a half in the Bundesliga, but notched up a remarkable eight goals during Alonso’s first season in charge. The following season, the Dutchman was equally pivotal, registering 26 goal involvements in 47 matches as Leverkusen ended the league season unbeaten, while also winning the German Cup. And while this season has not been as successful for Leverkusen, Frimpong has still provided five goals and 12 assists in all competitions to help his side secure a return to the Champions League. How does he compare to Trent Alexander-Arnold? Frimpong could replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back (Picture: Getty) Frimpong and Alexander-Arnold are both attacking-minded and provide goal output from the right flank. They way they go about it is somewhat different. Alexander-Arnold has often been seen as a playmaker and someone who is involved heavily in Liverpool’s build-up from deeper positions. His crosses and crossfield passes have provided plenty of assists, while his threat from set-pieces is also a large part of his game. How Jeremie Frimpong and Trent Alexander-Arnold compare (Picture: FBCharts) Frimpong, meanwhile, derives his threat in a somewhat different manner through his pace and dribbling ability on the right side. In his wing-back role at Leverkusen, the Dutchman usually starts far higher up the pitch than Alexander-Arnold, and then relies on his pace and 1v1 skills to create crosses into the box from advanced positions. How would he suit Arne Slot’s side? Arne Slot may have to adapt his team (Picture: Getty) While Frimpong is undoubtedly a talented player, it’s clear he’s not quite a like-for-like replacement for Alexander-Arnold and would require Slot to evolve his side’s play style. Part of that could be changing how Mohamed Salah operates ahead of Frimpong on the right side, who tends to come inside onto his left foot from the touchline. What other positions could Liverpool target this summer? Left-back: Andy Robertson’s vice-like grip on the left-back spot appears to be weakening and the club may move to provide serious competition for the Scotsman next year. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has enjoyed a superb season in Andoni Iraola’s side and has been earmarkaked as a potential target. Centre-back: While Virgil van Dijk has extended his stay at Anfield, the Reds may be keen on another centre-back to provide cover for him and Ibrahima Konate. Dean Huijsen, also of Bournemouth, is highly-rated by many Premier League clubs and has a £50m release clause in his contract. Striker: Darwin Nunez’s time on Merseyside appears to be coming to an end this summer after three inconsistent seasons since his big-money move from Benfica. Alexander Isak feels like little more than a pipe dream this summer, so Slot may have to look elsewhere. Hugo Eketike and Victor Gyokeres are perhaps more realistic, but both are also in high demand. But with Frimpong expected to operate in a more advanced position than Alexander-Arnold, Salah may well have to take up a more central position to allow the pair of them to thrive. Frimpong’s uber-attacking wing-back role at Leverkusen may also raise concerns about his defensive instincts. Speaking back in 2023, Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman raised doubts about Frimpong’s defensive capabilities, with the Dutch boss often preferring to deploy Frimpong as a right winger in his side. But coming into a Liverpool side that has long been able to shield Alexander-Arnold from much of his defensive burden, Slot will be hopeful of creating a similarly balanced system that can allow Frimpong to harness his attacking talents in the final third. Replacing Alexander-Arnold is no mean feat, but given his pedigree, attacking output, and reasonable price tag, it’s easy to see why Liverpool appear to have settled upon Frimpong as their first marquee signing of the summer. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.