The 2024/25 season has the potential to be nothing short of magical for Liverpool, but the high points of a trophy-laden campaign could fade somewhat in the summer.
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have contractual situations that need to be resolved. While optimistic supporters expect the triumvirate to commit to their future at Anfield, there is a very real possibility that Arne Slot will reach 2025/26 without at least one talismanic figure.
The one most likely to leave is Alexander-Arnold.
A revolutionary full-back who has won everything with his boyhood club, Liverpool fans surely can’t begrudge their native superstar 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 may fall at Michael Edwards’ doorstep once Trent’s future becomes clear.
Here are five potential Alexander-Arnold replacements Liverpool should consider.
Geertruida was Slot’s captain at Feyenoord, and there were weak reports in the summer that Liverpool’s new manager was “ready to bring” the Dutch full-back to Anfield.
However, the 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 among Leipzig’s back four. For Slot, Geertruida generally played a conservative right-back role, but the manager would also encourage him to operate in the box, where he has certainly shown he is comfortable.
The addition of Geertruida would force Slot to make a significant dynamic change given the player’s contrasting profile to that of Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool boss may be interested in reuniting with a reliable domestic face.
Overall, Kimmich has been disappointing in recent years, but it could be argued that his best run of form in recent times came when Thomas Tuchel returned him 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 season 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 represents as a playmaker from deep.
Kimmich could go some way to compensating for Trent’s departure in that regard, but given that he will likely have several clubs on his doorstep once his contract with Bayern Munich expires in June, would he opt to play right-back for Liverpool? He wants to play in the center of the field.
Slot may need some persuading because the German would be an excellent replacement. It is not your typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they cannot retain their three musketeers.
It has been a while since Frimpong played in a back four, and Slot is unlikely to change course for the Dutchman’s sake. However, there have been links with the Bayer Leverkusen full-back well into 2024.
Frimpong was the protagonist of Xabi Alonso’s story last season and has remained a pillar on the right wing this season.
The full-back is remarkably dynamic and a reliable contributor in the final third, although he goes about 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 overlapping, combining with creators in the half-space and drilling balls through the box. The Dutchman can also score a lot of goals (14 goals in all competitions last season).
His abilities would be considerably limited when playing Alexander-Arnold’s current role, but Slot would no doubt modify his system to ensure that Frimpong has 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 drop in form can largely be attributed to the sheer volume of minutes he has had to play during the last 18 months.
There are stylistic similarities between Porro and Alexander-Arnold. Both are outstanding technicians capable of unlocking defenses through their supreme passing ranges and of course there have been doubts over their defensive capabilities. Porro, however, has perhaps been rated harshly in this regard, while Trent has largely defended well in 2024/25, despite his dismal performance against Manchester United.
Porro’s Premier League experience counts for a lot, and if Liverpool intend to replace their standout right-back with someone of a comparable profile, the Spain international could be their man.
Some Liverpool fans would say there is no need for the club to spend much given the level Bradley has reached in taking on a senior role.
The youth player was very good last season for a long period and has already starred on the big stages for the Reds.
Bradley is a complete full-back 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 has still proven his worth within Slot’s current framework.
The 21-year-old looks set to fill any potential void, and Liverpool’s summer pursuit of the right-back could focus on providing back-up to Bradley.
