Liverpool could anger Xabi Alonso with transfer that hints at emotional Anfield exit

Liverpool boss Arne Slot may anger Xabi Alonso with his transfer pursuit (Image: Getty/Express Sport)

Liverpool have reportedly keeping a close eye on one of Xabi Alonso's star players at Bayer Leverkusen as Arne Slot weighs up his transfer plans for January and beyond.

The Reds currently sit two points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand over second-placed Chelsea after a fine start to the Dutchman's reign.

But squad planning is gradually becoming a pertinent issue for the 46-year-old to resolve in his first season at Anfield.

The ongoing uncertainty over Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah means Liverpool may have to replace all three stars, especially after Alexander-Arnold reportedly snubbed their latest contract offer this week, according to The Sun.

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The trio are eligible to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 and time is running out for the Merseyside club to make arrangements to keep them all beyond June 2025.

In the case of Alexander-Arnold, Slot may have a solution up his sleeve with Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, who has excelled for the reigning Bundesliga champions since his move in 2021.

The 24-year-old has picked up where he left off from an incredible 2023-24 campaign, where he scored 12 goals and registered seven assists for the German giants.

He has already assisted five goals for his team-mates this season and added two goals of his own.

Jeremie Frimpong has scored twice and assisted five goals this term (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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According to Sky Germany, Liverpool are 'impressed' with how Frimpong has developed during his time at the BayArena.

The wing-back is one of the most important names on the teamsheet under Alonso and the Spaniard would loathe to lose him.

Bild report the Reds invited Frimpong’s agent to watch last month’s Champions League clash between Liverpool and Leverkusen from the director’s box at Anfied.

The Dutch wing wizard started that game and scored a goal that was chalked off for handball, before Liverpool went on to thrash them 4-0.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract is due to expire in June 2025 (Image: Getty)

Despite that invitation, the report adds that Frimpong is not yet considered a 'concrete target' for Slot's men, mainly because he prefers a more traditional right-back in his back four.

Frimpong tends to contribute as much offensively as he does at the back, similar to how Alexander-Arnold operates, and that could prevent Liverpool from making an offer for the former Manchester City trainee.

The Netherlands international has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including his former employers City, Arsenal and Manchester United in the past.

And if Alexander-Arnold decides to leave on a free transfer in June, Liverpool could be forced to step up their interest in Frimpong to replace him, with a rumoured £33million release clause offering him a potential route out of Germany.

Liverpool could anger Xabi Alonso with transfer that hints at emotional Anfield exit

Liverpool could anger Xabi Alonso with transfer that hints at emotional Anfield exit

Liverpool could anger Xabi Alonso with transfer that hints at emotional Anfield exit

Liverpool could anger Xabi Alonso with transfer that hints at emotional Anfield exit

Liverpool could anger Xabi Alonso with transfer that hints at emotional Anfield exit