With Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially departing Liverpool for Real Madrid, the Reds may face the daunting task of replacing their revolutionary right-back. While Alexander-Arnold’s unique skill set is irreplaceable, here are five players Liverpool could consider to step into the role, ranked based on suitability and availability.
5. Lutsharel Geertruida
- Current Club: RB Leipzig
- Age: 24
- Profile: Versatile defender familiar with Arne Slot’s system from their time at Feyenoord.
- Pros: Geertruida is a dependable and adaptable defender, capable of playing across the backline. His experience under Slot could ease the tactical transition.
- Cons: His style is more conservative than Alexander-Arnold’s, lacking the playmaking flair Trent brings from deep. Slot would need to adjust Liverpool’s system to accommodate him.
4. Joshua Kimmich
- Current Club: Bayern Munich
- Age: 29
- Profile: A world-class footballer who can excel at right-back or in midfield.
- Pros: Kimmich’s technical brilliance and leadership make him a natural fit. His ability to dictate play from deep positions aligns with Alexander-Arnold’s current hybrid role.
- Cons: Kimmich prefers playing in midfield, and convincing him to return to a right-back role might be challenging. His age and likely wage demands also make him an unconventional choice for Liverpool’s transfer strategy.
3. Jeremie Frimpong
- Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen
- Age: 23
- Profile: A dynamic wing-back with an attacking mindset.
- Pros: Frimpong thrives in advanced positions, contributing goals and assists. His pace and ability to combine with attackers could make him a dangerous weapon in the final third.
- Cons: Frimpong’s skill set is suited to a wing-back role rather than a traditional full-back. Slot would need to tweak Liverpool’s system to maximize his effectiveness.
2. Pedro Porro
- Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur
- Age: 25
- Profile: A technically gifted right-back with Premier League experience.
- Pros: Porro’s passing range and vision mirror Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking abilities. He has shown the capacity to unlock defenses with his delivery.
- Cons: Porro has faced criticism for his defensive work, and his form has dipped due to heavy workloads. Liverpool would need to carefully manage his minutes to maintain peak performance.
1. Conor Bradley
- Current Club: Liverpool
- Age: 21
- Profile: A homegrown talent already proving his worth at the senior level.
- Pros: Bradley is a well-rounded full-back who defends robustly and contributes effectively in attack. His familiarity with Liverpool’s system under Slot makes him a natural successor.
- Cons: While Bradley has shown immense potential, he lacks the experience of competing consistently at the highest level, which could be a risk in high-stakes games.
Verdict
Replacing Alexander-Arnold is a near-impossible task given his unique attributes. However, Conor Bradley’s emergence as a reliable and versatile right-back could save Liverpool from splashing big money on an external replacement. Slot may instead focus on finding depth for the position while trusting Bradley to grow into the role.
FAQs
1. Why is Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to leave Liverpool?
His contract situation remains unresolved, and Real Madrid has expressed strong interest, with Jude Bellingham reportedly playing a role in courting him.
2. What makes Conor Bradley a strong replacement?
Bradley is defensively solid, capable in attack, and already familiar with Liverpool’s tactical setup under Slot.
3. Why is Joshua Kimmich a less likely option?
Kimmich prefers playing in midfield, and his age, wages, and availability may not align with Liverpool’s transfer policy.
4. Could Liverpool sign multiple right-backs?
If Alexander-Arnold departs, Liverpool may focus on depth by signing a back-up to complement Bradley rather than splurging on a marquee replacement.
5. When will Liverpool decide on Alexander-Arnold’s future?
Contract negotiations are ongoing, but the situation will likely come to a head in the summer transfer window.
