The 2024/25 season could be nothing short of magical for Liverpool, but the highlights of a trophy-laden campaign could fade somewhat in the summer.
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have contract situations that require resolution. While optimistic supporters hope that the triumvirate will settle their future at Anfield, there is the very real possibility that Arne Slot will start the 2025/26 season without at least one lucky figure.
The most likely scenario is that Alexander-Arnold will leave.
A revolutionary full-back who won big with his boyhood club, Liverpool fans certainly can’t blame their homegrown superstar for succumbing to Real Madrid’s allure. What would you do if Jude Bellingham whispered sweet nothings in your ear?
Replacing such a unique footballer is an impossible task, but one that could fall into the hands of Michael Edwards once Trent’s future becomes clear.
Here are five possible Alexander Arnold replacements Liverpool should consider.
Geertruida was Slot’s captain at Feyenoord and there were weak reports in the summer that the new Liverpool manager was ‘ready’ to take the Dutch full-back to Anfield.
However, a move never materialized and Geertruida signed for RB Leipzig instead.
The 24-year-old demonstrated his impressive versatility in Saxony and Marco Rose used him in Leipzig’s back four. For Slot, Geertruida generally performed a conservative right-back role, but the manager would also encourage him to operate in the infield, where he has certainly proven comfortable.
Signing Geertruida would force Slot to make a significant dynamic change given the player’s contrasting profile to Alexander-Arnold, but the Liverpool manager could be keen to work with a reliable, familiar face again.
Kimmich has generally underwhelmed in recent years, but it could be argued that his best recent form came when Thomas Tuchel moved him back to the right-back position in the second half of the 2023/24 season.
Vincent Kompany has allowed Kimmich to play in midfield and the German has shown several times 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 how dangerous he is as a playmaker from deep.
Kimmich could make up for Trent’s departure to some extent in that regard, but given that he is likely to have several clubs on his doorstep when his Bayern Munich contract expires in June, would he choose to play at right-back for Liverpool? He wants to play in midfield.
Slot may need some convincing as the German would be an excellent replacement. He’s not a typical Edwards signing, but Liverpool will need leaders if they can’t keep their Three Musketeers.
It’s been a while since Frimpong has played in a back four and Slot is unlikely to change course in favor of the Dutchman. However, there are connections to the Bayer Leverkusen full-back well into 2024.
Frimpong played for Xabi Alonso’s history-maker last season and has remained a mainstay on the right wing this season.
The full-back is remarkably dynamic and makes a reliable contribution in the final third, even if he approaches his work significantly differently than Alexander-Arnold.
Frimpong is anything but a smooth playmaker from deep positions. His best performance comes when he reaches the overlap, connects with creators in the half-space and shoots balls across the penalty area. The Dutchman can also score a lot of goals (14 goals in all competitions last season).
His abilities would be significantly limited by Alexander-Arnold’s role, but Slot would undoubtedly tinker 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 difficult 2024/25 season, but the Spaniard’s decline in form is largely due to the sheer volume of minutes he has had to play over the last 18 months.
There are stylistic similarities between Porro and Alexander-Arnold. The pair are outstanding technicians, capable of unleashing defenses through their superior passing distance, and of course there have been questions about their defensive abilities. However, Porro may have been judged harshly in this regard, while Trent has defended well for most of the 2024/25 season – his dismal performance against Manchester United notwithstanding.
Porro’s Premier League experience is of great value and if Liverpool intend to replace their standout right-back with someone with a similar profile, the Spain international could be their man.
Some Liverpool fans would argue that there is no need for the club to spend big given the level Bradley has reached by stepping into a managerial role.
The academy graduate delivered excellent performances over a long period of time last season and has already featured on the Reds’ biggest stages.
Bradley is a versatile full-back who shines in all phases. He is a far tougher defender than Trent and is excellent when he ventures into the final third. Bradley is more of a runner and combiner than a passer, but has still proven effective in the current slot setting.
The 21-year-old appears ready to fill any gap possible and Liverpool’s search for a right-back in the summer could instead focus on supporting Bradley.