Liverpool may have advantage over Real Madrid for Bayer Leverkusen star

Liverpool are interested in Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, according to one report.

The 22-year-old has been a regular for Xabi Alonso's team in 2023/24 as they top the Bundesliga after 11 games, chipping in with an impressive three goals and five assists from right wing back.

A former Celtic star who came through the Manchester City youth academy, Frimpong made his Netherlands national team senior debut this year. Prior to that he had been able to represent England and Ghana at international level.

According to Spanish outlet Depor, his impressive rise has caught the attention of a number of top European clubs, not least Liverpool.

The report claims that both the Reds and Chelsea have the full back on their shortlists for next summer. However, the English sides may face competition from Real Madrid, who considered a move during the summer transfer window as they look for a long-term successor for Dani Carvajal.

It is claimed that Alonso, if he is to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu next season, will ask club president Florentino Perez to re-visit a move for Frimpong as a 'requirement'. However, there is a fear that the financial might of the Premier League may stop Real Madrid from getting a deal done.

Depor add that Perez  may be unwilling to go over €35m (£30m) to secure Frimpong – a fee unlikely to deter the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

Frimpong may be seen as a long-term option for Liverpool at right back if Trent Alexander-Arnold is moved into a more permanent midfield role. However, if the plan is to continue with the current system that sees the vice-captain utilised in a hybrid right-back/midfield position as part of the 'box' midfield, it would seem unlikely that Liverpool would be interested in spending big on another attack-minded defender.

Anfield Watch has previously reported that the Reds have been monitoring versatile options who can play multiple roles across midfield and defence, including Yukinari Sugawara (AZ) and Morten Frendrup (Genoa).

Meanwhile, the immediate priority for Liverpool in 2024 will be to sign a left-sided centre back.