Liverpool take significant step towards signing ideal Mo Salah replacement

It has been known for some time that Liverpool may need to find replacements for both Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold by the end of this season.

Although no one wanted to confront the reality of this possibility, the idea is certainly alarming. Real Madrid is reportedly interested in acquiring Alexander-Arnold, while Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to offer Salah a lucrative contract.

As a result, Liverpool has been exploring a range of potential replacements for the duo.

One such option is Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutch player has primarily played as a right-back throughout his career, especially during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title-winning campaign last season.

When initial rumors surfaced, and Liverpool even invited Frimpong’s agent to a director’s box during Leverkusen’s visit to Anfield earlier this season, fans started to discuss the possibility of replacing Alexander-Arnold with Frimpong.

However, something unexpected has occurred this season – Frimpong has been deployed as a right-winger.

Is Jeremie Frimpong the potential replacement for Salah?

Leverkusen’s acquisition of Nordi Mukiele on loan from PSG to play as a full-back has enabled Frimpong to move forward into a more attacking role.

As a result, Frimpong’s signing might not be intended as a replacement for Alexander-Arnold, but rather for Mo Salah.

Looking at the heatmaps for Frimpong and Salah this season, it’s striking how difficult it is to distinguish between the two (for reference, Frimpong’s is the first, Salah’s the second).

In contrast, here is Alexander-Arnold’s.

Why Jeremie Frimpong could be the ideal Salah replacement

It’s clear that Frimpong is occupying attacking areas typically associated with an out-and-out attacker, while Alexander-Arnold has more defensive responsibilities.

Frimpong has also been involved in nine goals across all competitions this season, adding to his 26 goal contributions from last year.

Though replacing Salah is an enormous challenge, it’s evident that Frimpong possesses the attacking qualities that head coach Arne Slot could further nurture.

Therefore, if Liverpool were to pursue him, Frimpong would likely be a better fit as Salah’s successor rather than Alexander-Arnold’s.

This is a captivating turn in an ongoing transfer saga that could shape the future of Liverpool Football Club.