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2024/25 looks set to be nothing short of magical for Liverpool, yet the heights of a trophy-laden campaign may fade somewhat in the summer.
Mohammed SalahVirgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all need to resolve contract situations. While optimistic supporters will be hoping that the triumvirate will send their prospects to Anfield, there is a very real possibility that Arne Slott will go into 2025/26 without at least one talisman.
Alexander-Arnold is the most likely departure.
A revolutionary full-back who has won so much with his boyhood club, Liverpool supporters certainly can’t help but root for their hometown superstar. Real Madrid. What would you do if you had Jude Bellingham whispering sweet nuggets in your ear?
Replacing such a unique footballer will be an impossible task, however, once Trent’s future becomes clear, he could be at Michael Edwards’ door.
Here are five possible Alexander-Arnold replacements Liverpool to consider.
Geertruida was slot captain at Feyenoord, and there were faint reports in the summer that Liverpool’s new boss was open to bringing the Dutch full-back with him to Anfield.
However, the move never materialized and Gertrude signed for RB Leipzig instead.
The 24-year-old has shown his impressive versatility in Saxony, with Marco Rose deploying him in Leipzig’s back four. As for the slot, Geertruida usually performed a conservative right-back function, but the manager will also encourage him to man the infield where he has certainly proven himself to be comfortable.
The addition of Gertrude would force the slot into a significant dynamic shift given the player’s contrasting profile with Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool boss may be keen to reunite with a reliable familiar face.
Kimmich has generally been underwhelming over the past few years, but an argument can be made that his best form in recent times came when Thomas Tuchel moved him back to right-back 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 is a special footballer. His performance against RB Leipzig before the winter break was particularly brilliant and was a reminder of the threat he provides from deep as a playmaker.
In that sense Kimmich could somewhat compensate for Trent’s departure, but given that he likely has Multiple clubs on its doorstep Once his Bayern Munich contract expires in June, would he prefer to play right-back for Liverpool? He wants to play in midfield.
Slott may need some persuading as the German would be a superb replacement. He is not your typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they are unable to keep hold of their three Musketeers.
It has been a while since Frimpong played in the back four, with the slot unlikely to change tack for the Dutchman’s sake. However, there is Links to Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Well into 2024.
Frimpong starred for Xabi Alonso’s history makers last season and has been a mainstay on the right this term.
The wing-back is a remarkably dynamic and reliable final-third contributor, although he goes about his work in a markedly different way to Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is anything but a silky playmaker from deep-lying positions. His best work comes when he gets on the overlap, combining with creators in the half-space and drilling balls across the box. The Dutchman can also score plenty (14 goals in all competitions last season).
Alexander-Arnold’s skills will be significantly limited by playing his current role, but Slott will undoubtedly tinker with his system to ensure Frimpong gets plenty of opportunities in advanced positions.
Liverpool fans may scoff at the prospect of signing Poro, who has endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, but the Spaniard’s dip in form can largely be attributed to the sheer volume of minutes he has required to play over the past 18 months.
There are stylistic similarities between Porro and Alexander-Arnold. The pair are excellent technicians who are able to unlock defenses through their superior passing range, and of course, questions have been raised over their defensive abilities. Poro, however, have perhaps been harshly assessed in this regard, while Trent have largely defended well in 2024/25 – despite a disappointing performance against Manchester United.
Poroni Premier League Experience counts for plenty, and if Liverpool intend to replace their standout right-back with someone of a similar profile, the Spanish international could be their man.
Some Liverpool supporters will argue that the club do not need to spend big given the level at which Bradley has stepped into a senior role.
The academy graduate filled in brilliantly for long periods last season and has starred on the biggest stage for the Reds.
Bradley is a well-rounded full-back who excels in all phases. He is a tougher defender than Trent and is excellent when it comes to the final third. Bradley is more of a runner and coordinator than a passer, but he’s still proven himself in the current slot structure.
The 21-year-old looks set to fill any potential void, and Liverpool’s search for a right-back in the summer could instead focus on supplying back-up for Bradley.
