Liverpool have been linked with several right-back options to replace Alexander-Arnold this summer
The dust has settled, and football’s worst-kept secret is finally out – Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract.
On Tuesday, Liverpool fans were left feeling betrayed when the news broke. The beloved Scouser, handed his first-team debut by Jurgen Klopp in October 2016, now appears set to leave Anfield.
Real Madrid have been interested in Alexander-Arnold since 2023. They attempted to sign him in January, but Liverpool made it clear that he would not be available under any circumstances.
A lifelong Liverpool player, Alexander-Arnold has lived his boyhood dream.
Since making his Liverpool debut, the Reds have won one Premier League title, one Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, two League Cups, the FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Community Shield.
Liverpool have also finished as Premier League runners-up twice, lost in two Champions League finals, one League Cup final, and two Community Shield finals, while also reaching another European semi-final.
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Alexander-Arnold has made 344 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 22 goals and providing an incredible 86 assists across all competitions.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Liverpool have been linked with several right-back options to replace him. Here are four potential candidates:
Liverpool’s own Conor Bradley is the most natural replacement for Alexander-Arnold. The Northern Ireland international made his first-team debut under Klopp in the 2021/22 season and gained valuable experience on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
Bradley truly broke through in 2024, making his Premier League debut in January and starting the Carabao Cup final, Klopp’s last trophy with the club.
When fit, Bradley has impressed under Arne Slot, making a strong case to be the long-term successor. With potential changes at left-back, Liverpool may opt to keep faith in Bradley as the first-choice right-back while signing a backup.
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Bradley is already “arguably better” than Alexander-Arnold when given the chance.
Johnson said: “Conor’s been great, arguably better when he’s played. So no, I don’t think they (Liverpool) need to sign anyone to be their number one. I think they need to sign someone who would be second to Conor Bradley.”
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is one of Europe’s most exciting attacking full-backs and has been linked with Liverpool. With Dutch players like Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch already in the squad, Frimpong could be tempted to join Arne Slot’s project.
Frimpong has a £33.7million release clause in his contract, which must be paid in full for any club to sign him.
Although he has featured mostly as a wing-back or winger for Xabi Alonso’s title-winning Leverkusen side, he has plenty of experience at right-back. Frimpong was pivotal in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga-winning season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.
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His attacking ability could help Liverpool maintain an offensive edge from the right flank, similar to Alexander-Arnold’s role in recent years.
Feyenoord’s 18-year-old sensation Givairo Read has attracted interest from Liverpool and Barcelona following a stellar breakthrough season in the Eredivisie.
Signed by Feyenoord on a free transfer in 2023, Read has been a revelation, contributing eight goals in 26 appearances this season. Despite his young age, he has shown maturity beyond his years, making an impact both defensively and offensively.
Liverpool reportedly sees Read as a long-term solution at right-back, with Alexander-Arnold’s departure on the horizon. Slot, who worked with Read at Feyenoord, is keen on reuniting with him at Anfield. The Premier League leaders are actively pursuing a deal to secure his transfer.
Another former Arne Slot player, Lutsharel Geertruida, is a versatile defender who could be an ideal fit for Liverpool. Capable of playing across the backline, the 24-year-old offers tactical flexibility and defensive solidity.
Geertruida joined RB Leipzig this season, featuring in 19 of their 27 Bundesliga games and playing every Champions League group-stage match. His ability to play at right-back, centre-back, and even left-back makes him an invaluable squad player.
Slot may see Geertruida as a key depth option, allowing Jarell Quansah and Bradley to continue developing while also covering for injuries.
