Liverpool must plan for a future without Trent Alexander-Arnold as the local lad edges closer to joining Real Madrid.
While still to be finalised, it appears increasingly inevitable that the the academy product will follow in the footsteps of Michael Owen and Steve McManaman in trading the adoration of the Anfield crowd for the the glitz of the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alexander-Arnold will leave an enormous void upon his departure and thankfully Liverpool already have an impressive deputy ready to fill his shoes. Conor Bradley has repeatedly shown his ability to step up to the plate and is likely viewed as the natural successor.
But for the purposes of squad depth and healthy competition, Liverpool will undoubtedly look to sign a new right-back over the summer period, whether that’s a ready-made replacement for Alexander-Arnold or a high-potential youngster.
Here are five right-backs Liverpool could realistically recruit.
Liverpool could use Alexander-Arnold’s exit as an opportunity to sign a more defensive-minded replacement, but should they search for someone capable of replacing the England international’s exceptional attacking threat, then Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong will likely be among the frontrunners.
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s elite over recent seasons and was integral to Leverkusen’s astonishing domestic double last term, providing 11 goals and ten assists in the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal. Few of his positional peers boast greater attacking quality.
However, Frimpong has thrived playing as a wing-back in Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system, allowing him the freedom of the right flank without as many defensive responsibilities. He would not be afforded that luxury in Arne Slot’s Liverpool setup.
Frimpong, who has even been used as a winger for Leverkusen and the Dutch national team, would be a risky addition given Liverpool’s current approach despite his exceptional talent.
Vanderson has quietly blossomed into an impressive right-back during several seasons with Monaco, generally conducting his business out of the limelight. The 23-year-old has swiftly grown in importance for the Ligue 1 outfit since signing from Gremio in 2021/22.
The Brazilian, who now has five caps for the Selecao, is used to playing in a flat back four and has contributed regularly with goals and assists over recent years. He has two strikes and four assists to his name this term – just shy of Alexander-Arnold’s ten goal contributions – and has particularly impressed with his distribution.
Vanderson boasts a pass accuracy of 78% in Ligue 1 this season – higher than Alexander-Arnold’s 73.9% – and has better medium and long-range passing completion than Liverpool’s No.66.
Teamed with an impressive defensive nous which has seen him win 71.7% of his tackles in Ligue 1 this term, Vanderson offers the whole package.
Liverpool have been linked with turning to Slot’s former side Feyenoord in search of reinforcements, with 18-year-old Givairo Read having dazzled since Lutsharel Geertruida’s departure last summer. He’s made 24 appearances in all competitions having made his senior debut under Slot last term, providing seven assists since establishing himself as the Dutch side’s leading right-back.
The Reds have a cohort of Dutch players already – although Virgil van Dijk could leave Anfield this summer – and Slot will be well aware of the Feyenoord starlet’s immense potential.
Read could prove a cost-effective option despite lacking the experience of his positional seniors and would perhaps prove the perfect understudy to Bradley should the Northern Irishman be promoted to first-choice right-back for the Reds.
Another teenager seemingly destined for greatness has emerged from the talent factory of Porto, with Martim Fernandes enjoying a tremendous breakout campaign this year. After making six appearances last season, the 19-year-old has more than quadrupled that tally in 2024/25.
The speedy, offensive-minded full-back has proven a hit at the Estadio do Dragao, managing five assists in 18 appearances in the Primeira Liga this term. Porto have the best defensive record in the division, too, with Fernandes playing his part in a stern backline that concedes less than a goal per game.
With impressive technical ability and long passing for such a young player, he could be an excellent replacement for Alexander-Arnold in the long-term.
If Liverpool are seeking a more established right-back, Jules Kounde could become a realistic option. While the Barcelona defender is earning plenty of minutes in Catalonia, La Blaugrana’s financial situation could force them to sell star talent this summer. There have even been reports suggesting that Kounde could depart should he not extend his current contract in the near future.
The 26-year-old has masses of experience playing at the elite level and despite being heralded for his defensive prowess, he’s also contributed to 11 goals for Barcelona this term. The France international is an all-rounder.
Capable of playing centre-back as well, Kounde offers greater versatility than most, with his one-v-one ability and physicality ensuring he’s one of Europe’s standout right-backs.
The Barcelona man would be an expensive addition and is completely different to Alexander-Arnold, but there can be no denying his quality.
