2024/25 has the potential to be nothing short of magical for Liverpool, but the highs of a trophy-laden campaign could dissipate somewhat over the summer.
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have contract situations to resolve. While optimistic supporters hope the triumvirate will commit their future to Anfield, there is a very real possibility that Arne Slot heads into 2025/26 without at least one talismanic figure.
Most likely to leave is Alexander-Arnold.
A revolutionary full-back who won everything with his boyhood club, Liverpool fans surely can’t blame their local superstar for succumbing to the charms of Real Madrid. What would you do if Jude Bellingham whispered sweet nothings in your ear?
Replacing such a unique footballer is an impossible task, but it’s one that could fall at Michael Edwards’ door once Trent’s future becomes clear.
Here are five potential Alexander-Arnold replacements for Liverpool to consider.
Geertruida was Slot’s captain at Feyenoord, and tenuous reports circulated this summer that the new Liverpool boss was “close to bringing” the Dutch full-back with him to Anfield.
However, this move never came to fruition and Geertruida instead signed for RB Leipzig.
The 24-year-old showed his impressive versatility in Saxony, with Marco Rose deploying him across Leipzig’s back four. For Slot, Geertruida generally filled a conservative right-back role, but the manager would also encourage him to operate on the pitch where he has certainly proven he is comfortable.
The addition of Geertruida would force Slot into a considerable dynamic change given the player’s contrasting profile compared to Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool boss may be keen to return a familiar and reliable face.
Kimmich has generally disappointed over the last couple of years, but it could be argued that his best form of late came when Thomas Tuchel moved him back to right-back for the second half of 2023/24.
Vincent Kompany allowed Kimmich to play in midfield, and the German has shown several times this season that he remains a special footballer. His performance against RB Leipzig just before the winter break was particularly brilliant and served as a reminder of the threat he poses as a playmaker from deep.
Kimmich could somewhat offset Trent’s departure in that sense, but given he’ll likely have several clubs on his doorstep once his contract with Bayern Munich expires in June, would he choose to play right-back for Liverpool? He wants to play in midfield.
Slot may need to do a little convincing as the German would be a superb replacement. It’s not a typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they fail to keep their three musketeers.
It’s been a while since Frimpong last played in a back four, and Slot is unlikely to change tactics for the Dutchman’s sake. However, there have been links with the Bayer Leverkusen winger until 2024.
Frimpong played for Xabi Alonso’s history makers last season and has remained a mainstay on the right flank this season.
The winger is remarkably dynamic and a reliable contributor in the final third, although he goes about his job in a markedly different way to Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is anything but a silky playmaker from deep positions. His best work comes when he overlaps, combining with creators in the half-space and drilling balls through the box. The Dutchman can also score a lot (14 goals in all competitions last season).
His skillset would be significantly limited playing Alexander-Arnold’s current role, but Slot would no doubt tinker with his system to ensure Frimpong gets plenty of opportunities at advanced positions.
Liverpool fans may scoff at the prospect of signing Porro, who has had a difficult 2024/25 campaign, but the Spaniard’s dip in form can largely be attributed to the high number of minutes he has had to play over the past 18 months.
There are stylistic similarities between Porro and Alexander-Arnold. Both men are exceptional technicians, capable of unlocking defenses with their supreme passing ranges, and of course, questions have been asked about their defensive abilities. Porro, however, may have been harshly assessed in this regard, while Trent has largely defended himself well in 2024/25 – despite a dismal performance against Manchester United.
Porro’s Premier League experience counts for a lot, and if Liverpool intend to replace their standout right-back with someone of a similar profile, the Spain international could be their man.
Some Liverpool fans would argue that the club does not need to spend big given the level Bradley has reached to move into a managerial role.
The academy graduate filled in superbly for a prolonged period last season and has already featured on the biggest stages for the Reds.
Bradley is a complete full-back who excels in all phases. He’s a much tougher defender than Trent and is excellent when he ventures into the final third. Bradley is more of a runner and combiner than a passer, but he has nonetheless proven himself in Slot’s current setting.
The 21-year-old looks set to fill any potential void, and Liverpool’s right-back search this summer may instead focus on providing a replacement for Bradley.
