Jeremie Frimpong has been tipped to reunite with his former manager Xabi Alonso at Chelsea as Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola faces a crucial decision over the right-back position. The Dutch defender, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million last summer, has endured a mixed debut season at Anfield.
Frimpong's Liverpool Struggles
Frimpong scored on his Community Shield debut against Crystal Palace but struggled for consistency before an injury in October sidelined him for two months. During his absence, Conor Bradley took over but suffered a season-ending knee injury in January. Liverpool manager Arne Slot experimented with midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endo, as well as defender Joe Gomez, at right-back. Even after returning to fitness, Frimpong failed to secure a regular starting role under Slot.
Iraola's Right-Back Dilemma
With Slot now departed, Iraola must assess his squad ahead of next season. The right-back position remains a concern, especially after Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid a year ago. Iraola also needs cover at left-back following Andy Robertson's exit. Of the seven players who featured at right-back for Liverpool last season, only Endo is competing at the World Cup, highlighting the lack of consistency.
Alonso Reunion Speculation
Former Barcelona and Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has suggested Frimpong could thrive under Alonso at Chelsea. Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Mendieta said: 'Jeremie Frimpong could be a good asset for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. Managers have players they trust from previous clubs, and there will be a belief from the player that they can find that form again. We often see players reuniting with former coaches for that reason, especially if things aren't going well for those players like Frimpong at Liverpool.'
Frimpong was a key part of Alonso's unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign at Leverkusen in 2023-24. He made 35 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions last season, scoring twice, but his future remains uncertain as Iraola plans his squad rebuild.
