Liverpool could supposedly be handed the chance to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong for under £30m when the summer transfer window rolls around.
Following months of uncertainty and several weeks of rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold had decided to join Real Madrid, the Liverpool vice-captain confirmed his departure from his boyhood club on Monday.
Alexander-Arnold will make just three more Liverpool appearances at the very most before he leaves on a free transfer, and Real Madrid are pushing to sign him in time for the start of the Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Premier League champions are preparing for a post-Alexander-Arnold world, one that will still feature Conor Bradley, although it is not clear whether Arne Slot views him as starting material.
As a result, Liverpool are expected to enter the marker for an Alexander-Arnold successor in the summer window, and Leverkusen's Frimpong has inevitably been tipped to inherit the right-back's position.
Frimpong 'available for less than £30m' in summer window
© Imago
The 24-year-old's contract with Die Werkself runs for another three years, but according to talkSPORT, there is a release clause in his agreement that could see him depart for as little as €35m (£29.6m).
Furthermore, there is not believed to be any cut-off point on Frimpong's release clause, meaning that the Netherlands international will be available for under £30m throughout the whole summer window.
Such an affordable option will no doubt alert other top clubs across Europe, though, and Manchester City have also been mentioned as contenders as they seek a long-term Kyle Walker replacement.
A Bundesliga Invincible with Xabi Alonso's side in the 2023-24 season, Frimpong has registered 73 direct goal involvements in 189 matches for Leverkusen, 29 of his own and 44 assists.
The Netherlands international boasts four strikes and 12 helpers from 47 appearances in all competitions this season, but his contributions were not enough to prevent Bayern Munich regaining the Bundesliga title.
What other Alexander-Arnold replacements can Liverpool target?
© Imago
While Frimpong's attacking prowess is undeniable, there may be some justified concerns about the Dutchman's defending and competence in a back four given he has flourished in a wing-back role for Leverkusen.
Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso could be an intriguing option, as the Italy international is more experienced playing as an out-and-out full-back, although he has predominantly played off the left this season.
Instead, Feyenoord's Givairo Read and Porto's Martim Fernandes could follow the Alexander-Arnold path, and the latter in particular has been heralded as an ideal fit thanks to his chance creation skills.
Few full-backs on the planet would be able to replicate Alexander-Arnold's immense passing range and playmaking from deep, though, so while a fair number of Liverpool plans may not hold the Englishman in high regard anymore, they ought to enjoy the right-back's excellence on the ball while he still dons the Reds jersey.
Ben Knapton
