Jeremie Frimpong - Flashes of Glen Jhonson?(2025)
Liverpool has officially secured Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million. The agreement was announced on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with the transfer completed as the temporary Premier League window opened on June 1, 2025. This acquisition offers Arne Slot a thrilling, dynamic option on the right flank, bringing proven quality and an electrifying new dimension to the squad
The Journey to Anfield: Development and Proven Quality
Born December 10, 2000, Jeremie Frimpong honed his skills for nine years in the esteemed Manchester City academy. Despite no senior City appearances, this period provided elite technical education and competitive youth football experience, notably in FA Youth Cup campaigns.
His senior career took off at Celtic in September 2019, where he made an instant impact. His raw pace and fearless dribbling quickly made him a regular right-back. At Celtic, he played a significant role in their historic domestic treble win (2019-20), securing the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup. He was also named Celtic Young Player of the Year (2019-20).
The decisive move came in January 2021 to Bayer Leverkusen. Under Xabi Alonso, Frimpong transformed into one of Europe's most effective attacking full-backs. He was a pivotal figure in Leverkusen's historic invincible Bundesliga title win (2023-24), concluding that stellar campaign with 9 goals and 7 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances. His time there cemented his reputation as an elite player, influencing games deeply with relentless attacking runs.
Liverpool's swift acquisition during the special Club World Cup transfer window highlights proactive, decisive recruitment, ensuring ample time for his integration.
What Frimpong Brings: A Unique and Dynamic Profile
Jeremie Frimpong is a modern, versatile right-sided player, whose quality is undeniable. His profile features:
Blistering Pace and Acceleration: He explodes past defenders, making him a devastating threat in transition and attack.
Exceptional Dribbling Ability: Comfort on the ball allows him to effortlessly bypass opponents, driving into dangerous areas.
Direct Goal Contributions: His proven record signifies he genuinely impacts the score sheet with goals and assists from wide areas.
High Work Rate and Tenacity: Beyond attack, he boasts a relentless engine and tenacity for diligent tracking back and recovery.
Frimpong is not a like-for-like replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Trent's unique playmaking from deep is distinct. Frimpong's signing is a strategic enhancement, bringing explosive attacking directness. His attributes guarantee immediate, significant impact and positive momentum.
Echoes of Anfield's Past: A Dynamic Right-Back Comparison
For Liverpool supporters, Frimpong's arrival brings a thrilling sense of dynamism from the right-back position. It's been nearly a decade since Liverpool boasted a right-footed full-back with such consistent attacking impact.
While stylistically akin to Glen Johnson – whose surging runs from right-back were a highlight until his departure in 2015 – Frimpong operates at a significantly higher, more prolific level. His 9 goals and 7 assists in last season's Bundesliga from a defensive role starkly surpass Johnson's best attacking output. More than just stats, Frimpong thrives in the modern full-back's demanding role, blending blistering pace and dribbling with tactical discipline.
A key figure in an invincible Bundesliga title win, multiple domestic cups with Leverkusen and Celtic, and boasting back-to-back Bundesliga Team of the Season selections, Frimpong's accolades underline his competitive edge and winning mentality. These achievements, collected at a relatively young age, demonstrate a truly elite and more competitive player compared to Johnson's overall honors at a similar career stage.
Tactical Fit with Arne Slot's System
Frimpong's arrival injects an immediate, potent new dimension into Liverpool's attack, aligning perfectly with Arne Slot's tactical vision. Slot's 4-2-3-1 formation, often shifting to 3-2-5 in possession, emphasizes aggressive, attacking full-backs and high pressing. Frimpong is an ideal, exciting fit:
Attacking Full-back/Wing-back Role: He thrives high up, matching Slot's desire for relentless offensive threats from full-backs.
Verticality and Directness: His pace and ball-carrying allow rapid play advancement, breaking lines and creating immediate danger.
Complementing Attackers: His runs beyond wingers create space for players like Mohamed Salah, offering varied, unpredictable attacking patterns on the right flank.
Contribution to Pressing and Recovery: His "three lungs" energy and tireless recovery pace aid Slot's high-intensity pressing, ensuring defensive solidity even when pushing forward.
His immediate adaptation will strengthen the team's dynamic, providing Arne Slot with a versatile, impactful, and thrilling option.
As a dynamic attacking full-back, Frimpong's style also carries the hallmarks of the modern Dutch football philosophy. His exceptional technical ability, constant desire to drive forward, and understanding of positional play in advanced areas align perfectly with the principles often championed by Dutch coaches like Arne Slot. This shared footballing DNA could prove key to his rapid adaptation and success within Slot's tactical framework at Liverpool."
Bolstering the Ranks: A Dynamic Boost for Liverpool
Jeremie Frimpong's arrival represents a shrewd, pivotal piece of business. Securing a player of his proven quality, explosive attributes, and perfect tactical alignment ensures the right flank remains a formidable area. His addition provides enhanced flexibility, immediate impact, and valuable depth, directly contributing to Liverpool's pursuit of further success. This signing signals the club's commitment to reinforcing key positions with dynamic, high-quality talent, bolstering the squad for the challenges ahead and ensuring Liverpool remains fiercely competitive.
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