2024/25 has the potential to be nothing short of magical for Liverpool, but the highs of a trophy-laden campaign could dissipate somewhat in the summer.
Mohamed SalahVirgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have contractual situations that need to be resolved. While optimistic supporters hope that the triumvirate will commit their futures to Anfield, there is a very real possibility that Arne Slot will enter 2025/26 without at least one talismanic figure.
The most likely to leave is Alexander-Arnold.
A revolutionary full-back who has won the lot with his boyhood club, Liverpool fans surely can’t fault their homegrown superstar for succumbing to the allure of Real Madrid. What would you do if Jude Bellingham whispered sweet nothings in your ear?
Replacing such a unique footballer is an impossible task, but it’s one that could fall on Michael Edwards’ doorstep once Trent’s future is clear.
Here are five possible replacements for Alexander-Arnold Liverpool to consider
Geertruida was Slot’s captain at Feyenoord, and there were faint reports in the summer that the new Liverpool manager was “willing 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 has shown his impressive versatility in Saxony, with Marco Rose deploying him at the back for Leipzig. For Slot, Geertruida generally played a conservative right-back role, but the manager would also encourage him to operate inside the field where he has certainly shown he is comfortable.
The addition of Geertruida would force Slot into a considerable dynamic change given the player’s contrasting profile to Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool boss may be willing to reunite with a reliable familiar face.
Kimmich has generally underwhelmed over the past two years, but it could be argued 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 remains a special footballer. His performance against RB Leipzig just before the winter break was particularly brilliant and a reminder of the threat he offers as a playmaker from deep.
Kimmich could go some way to making up for Trent’s departure in that regard, but given that he probably will several clubs on your doorstep once his contract with Bayern Munich expires in June, would he opt to play right-back at Liverpool? He wants to play in midfield.
Slot may need some persuading as the German would make an excellent replacement. Not your typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they can’t hold on to their three musketeers.
It’s been a while since Frimpong played four, and Slot is likely to change course for the Dutchman’s sake. However, there have been links with the Bayer Leverkusen side well into 2024.
Frimpong starred in Xabi Alonso’s story last season and has remained a mainstay down the right flank this season.
The full-back is remarkably dynamic and a reliable contributor in the final third, although he does his job in a markedly different way to Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is anything but a silky playmaker from deep 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 a lot (14 goals in all competitions last season).
His skill set would be considerably limited playing in Alexander-Arnold’s current role, but Slot would certainly play with his system to ensure Frimpong gets plenty of opportunities in advanced positions.
Liverpool fans may scoff at the prospect of signing Porro, who has endured a tough 2024/25 campaign, but the Spaniard’s dip in form can largely be attributed to the sheer volume of minutes he has been forced to play during the last 18 months.
There are stylistic similarities between Porro and Alexander-Arnold. The pair are exceptional technicians capable of unlocking defenses through their supreme passing ranges, and of course there have been questions about their defensive abilities. Porro, however, may have been harshly assessed in this respect, while Trent have largely defended well in 2024/25, despite a dismal display against Manchester United.
Porro Premier League Experience goes a long way, and if Liverpool are determined to replace their standout right-back with someone of a similar profile, the Spain international could be their man.
Some Liverpool supporters would argue that there is no need for the club to spend big given the level Bradley has reached to fill a senior role.
The academy graduate featured superbly for an extended spell last season and has already starred on the biggest stages for the Reds.
Bradley is a complete winger who excels in all phases. He is a much tougher defender than Trent and is excellent when venturing into the final third. Bradley is more of a runner and combiner than a passer, but he’s proven himself within the current Slot framework nonetheless.
The 21-year-old looks ready to fill any potential void, and Liverpool’s search for a right-back in the summer may focus on providing support for Bradley.
