Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has already confirmed that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season and the search is on for Arne Slot to find the defender’s successor
Liverpool are now preparing for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold. The defender has announced that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season.
His contract expires next month and a move to Real Madrid is expected to be announced. Alexander-Arnold confirmed his emotional departure in a lengthy video on social media.
His decision brings to an end a glittering Liverpool career. Across his 352 appearances for the Merseyside giants, the England right-back has scored 23 goals and near-countless assists.
And that has been key to the Reds winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup and a whole host of other trophies. It will be a daunting task for anyone to be selected as his successor.
That is the task that Liverpool have ahead of them this summer but Mirror Football has attempted to give the club some help by picking out some potential candidates.
The outstanding name to succeed Alexander-Arnold at Anfield, Bradley could well follow in his fellow academy graduate’s footsteps. Having joined the club as a 15-year-old, the Northern Irish international has moved up through the youth ranks until making his first-team debut during the 2021/22 season under Jurgen Klopp.
A loan spell at Bolton Wanderers was very productive, with Bradley displaying his attacking prowess having scored seven goals in all competitions for the then League One side. Bradley returned to Merseyside a far better player and made 23 appearances the following campaign, netting his first goal for the club.
The 21-year-old has continued his development under Arne Slot this term, with the Dutchman already suggesting he is the obvious choice to succeed Alexander-Arnold.
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Another name who has regularly been mentioned regarding a move to Anfield, Frimpong has enjoyed plenty of success over recent years. A graduate of Manchester City’s academy, he was picked up by Celtic before moving to Bayer Leverkusen.
And that is where the Dutchman has shone. Frimpong has become one of the most effective attacking fullbacks in Germany as he netted nine goals as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga last season.
He has previously revealed that he had chosen Liverpool as a youngster, only to move to City instead.
Sticking with Dutch right-backs already linked with Liverpool, the 24-year-old made his name under Arne Slot with Feyenoord before a move to German giants RB Leipzig. During his time in the Eredivisie, he also developed a reputation as a very effective attacking right-back.
His final season with Feyenoord saw him score nine goals in all competitions. While he has only one strike this term, he has still become a key player for Leipzig with 31 appearances in all competitions.
The German side might demand a high price-tag for Geertruida’s services, which could put Liverpool off, but he would definitely be an option.
Rounding off a hat-trick of Dutch right-backs, Dumfries already has his fans in the Premier League, specifically Manchester United. Liverpool have also been linked in the past.
Dumfries started his career in the Eredivisie, eventually making his way to PSV. And after impressing at Euro 2020, Italian giants Inter Milan picked him up.
Dumfries has continued to be a very effective defender having won Serie A last term, as well as two Italian cups. He has also contributed to his side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals this season - his recent brace against Barcelona two of ten goals he has scored this season.
Somewhat of a left-field choice for Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, the Flamengo defender has emerged as one of the most exciting fullbacks in world football. Liverpool have already been linked, with their scouts identifying him as a potential option.
A deal could potentially be tricky with the Brazilian side demanding around €30–35 million (£29m) for the 21-year-old, while there is competition for his services. Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have also been linked, while Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Franca’s future.