2024/25 has the potential to be nothing short of magical for Liverpool, however the highs of a trophy-laden campaign could be dampened somewhat in the summer.
Mohamed SalahVirgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have contracts that need to be resolved. While optimistic supporters will be hoping the trio commit their futures to Anfield, there is a very real possibility Arne Slot will go into 2025/26 without at least one talismanic figure.
The most likely to leave is Alexander-Arnold.
A revolutionary full-back who won big with his boyhood club, Liverpool fans certainly can’t begrudge their home-grown superstar falling under his spell Real Madrid. What would you do if you had Jude Bellingham whispering sweet nothings in your ear?
Replacing such a unique footballer is an impossible task, yet it is one that could fall on Michael Edwards’ doorstep once Trent’s future becomes clear.
Here are five potential replacements for Alexander-Arnold Liverpool to examine.
Geertruida was Slot’s captain at Feyenoord, and in the summer there were rumbling reports that the new Liverpool boss was “ready to bring” the Dutch full-back with him to Anfield.
However, a move never materialized and Geertruida signed for RB Leipzig.
The 24-year-old showed his impressive versatility in Saxony, with Marco Rose developing him in Leipzig’s back four. For Slot, Geertruida generally performed a conservative right-back role, but the coach would also encourage him to operate infield where he has certainly proven to be comfortable.
The addition of Geertruida would force Slot into a major dynamic change given the player’s contrasting profile to Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool boss may want to be reunited with a reliable familiar face.
Kimmich has generally been downgraded over the last couple of years, but it could be argued that his best run in recent years came when Thomas Tuchel brought him back into the right-back position for the second half of 2023/24.
Vincent Kompany has allowed Kimmich to play in midfield and the German has shown on several occasions this term that he remains a special player. His performance against RB Leipzig just before the winter break was particularly brilliant and reminded of the threat he provides as a playmaker from deep.
Kimmich could somewhat offset Trent’s departure in that sense, but given that he probably will many clubs on his doorstep Once his contract with Bayern Munich expires in June, would he choose to play at right-back for Liverpool? He wants to play in midfield.
The slot may take some convincing as the German would be an excellent replacement. Not a typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they can’t keep their three bodyguards.
It has been some time since Frimpong played in a back four, with Slot unlikely to change tactics for the Dutchman’s sake. However, there were linked with the Bayer Leverkusen full-back well into 2024.
Frimpong starred for Xabi Alonso’s historic side last season and has remained a mainstay on the right this term.
The wing-back is remarkably dynamic and a reliable final-third contributor, although he does his job in a very different way to Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is anything but a silky playmaker from deep. His best work comes when he takes the overlap, combines with creators in the half-space and drills balls across the box. The Dutchman can also score a lot (14 goals in all competitions last season).
His skills would be severely limited playing Alexander-Arnold’s current role, but Slot will no doubt tinker with his system to ensure Frimpong gets plenty of opportunities in advanced positions.
Liverpool fans may be scoffing at the prospect of signing Poro, who has endured a difficult 2024/25 season, but the Spaniard’s dip in form can be largely attributed to the sheer volume of minutes he has had to play over the last 18 months .
There are stylistic similarities between Porro and Alexander-Arnold. The pair are superb technicians capable of unlocking defenses through their supreme passing ranges and, of course, there have been questions about their defensive abilities. Poro, however, have perhaps been harshly assessed in this regard, while Trent have largely defended well in 2024/25 – despite the dismal result against Manchester United.
of Porros Premier League Experience counts for a lot, and if Liverpool are looking to replace their excellent right-back with someone of a similar profile, the Spain international could be their man.
Some Liverpool fans would argue that there is no need for the club to spend big given the level Bradley has reached to take on a senior role.
The academy graduate filled in admirably for an extended spell last season and has already starred on the Reds’ biggest stages.
Bradley is a well-rounded fullback who excels in all phases. He is a much tighter defender than Trent and is excellent when he gets out in the final third. Bradley is more of a runner and combiner as opposed to a passer, but he has nonetheless proven himself within the current slot framework.
The 21-year-old looks ready to fill any potential gap and Liverpool’s search for a right-back in the summer could focus on providing support for Bradley.
