Premier League champions Liverpool confirmed Friday that they’ve signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
SportsTribune learned from a source that Frimpong’s contract, as one of the world’s most exciting full-backs from the Netherlands, included a €35 million ($39.2m) release clause.
The transfer will finalize after the June 1st transfer window opening, using a three-year payment plan.
Officials confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid hours before announcing the deal.
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold, whose contract ended in June, is going to a La Liga team for the Club World Cup in a €10m ($11.3m) deal, according to SportsTribune sources.
Though many see Frimpong as Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, Slot sees him as a versatile right-flank player who can fill in for Salah during the African Cup of Nations in Morocco this winter, a source told SportsTribune.
“It went quite easy,” Frimpong said of the talks. “Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously, for me, it was a no-brainer.
“I told my agents just to get it done, regardless of the method”.
“Liverpool supporters, I promise to give my best in energy and effort, and hopefully, we win and celebrate together.”
“I’m just excited to be here. I appreciate you all accepting me; I won’t disappoint, and I’ll give you the energy you expect.”
Many have long speculated that Frimpong would move to the Premier League, with Liverpool monitoring him for over 10 years. Before his move to Manchester City, the club attempted to sign him for their academy.
Having spent nine years in Manchester City’s youth system before moving to Celtic and then Leverkusen, Frimpong is considered a homegrown player in England.
His connections to Liverpool include Dutch coach Arne Slot and teammates Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk.
A pivotal member of Leverkusen’s historic undefeated run to their first Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles was Frimpong. The club reached the Europa League final but lost to Atalanta.
Leverkusen came in second this season, a significant distance behind Bayern Munich, the champions. With Xabi Alonso’s transfer to Real Madrid finalized, the potential departure of other stars, like Frimpong, looms.
