Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has urged the club to sign Jeremie Frimpong as the replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.
Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to complete his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer once his contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season.
The England international has faced criticism from some Liverpool supporters over his decision to leave Anfield, however, Hamann feels the 26-year-old needs to take the opportunity if a move to Madrid is an option.
‘If Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to leave Liverpool, I don’t know why he and the club haven’t come out to explain the situation,’ Hamann told PokerScout.
‘I’d be very surprised if he hadn’t made his mind up by now. I think that because he could get another injury, which rules him out for the season, and that will impact contract talks with both Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Get personalised updates on Liverpool every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
‘I don’t think there is any reason to keep his plans a secret. He looks the most likely to go, and you might only get a chance to join Real Madrid once in your career, so I don’t think you can blame him.
‘Real Madrid like to have the ball, and I think Trent Alexander-Arnold fits into any team, lots has been made of his defensive deficiencies, but his passing range is incredible, and that would suit their forwards perfectly. He gives you so much going forward so.’
Frimpong, meanwhile, has been one of Bayer Leverkusen’s standout performers over the last four seasons and Hamann has urged Liverpool to take advantage of his €40 million [£33m] release clause.
‘I was surprised that nobody signed Jeremie Frimpong last summer for around €40 million, there was an option and nobody took it, but he is a brilliant player,’ Hamann said.
‘He has lots of pace, he scores and sets up goals, he is a very modern player and he would do a great job in the Premier League.
‘He is more of a wing-back than a full-back, but he would be a great player for Liverpool to have, he’d give another option outside of Mohamed Salah who likes to cut in on his left foot.
‘Every team needs pace and he has certainly got it, he would be a good option for Liverpool if Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
