Liverpool explored options at right-back during the summer transfer window, including interest in Chelsea’s new signing Marco Palestra, as concerns grew over Jeremie Frimpong’s early performances.
The Reds were always going to face a significant adjustment after Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid on a free transfer. Frimpong, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for around £30m, arrived with a strong reputation built on pace, attacking threat and consistency in the Bundesliga. At Anfield, however, he has so far struggled to replicate that form in either of the roles the club envisaged for him.
According to a report from The Athletic, Liverpool’s interest in Palestra stemmed from those early doubts. The Italian eventually joined Chelsea. Liverpool ultimately did not push through a deal for a new right-back, partly because of competing priorities in the transfer window and the need to manage the wage bill through sales.
Frimpong remains the primary option at the position for now. At 25 he still has time to adapt, and new manager Andoni Iraola may yet extract more from him than Arne Slot managed. Pace remains an obvious asset, particularly as an impact substitute late in games, and his previous record at Leverkusen suggests the raw ability is there.
Liverpool also monitored Chelsea’s Malo Gusto. Fabrice Hawkins reported that the club made a late attempt to take the Frenchman on loan, but the move collapsed. Liverpool preferred a loan with no obligation to buy, while Chelsea sought a permanent transfer.
The interest in both Palestra and Gusto underlines that the club recognised a potential shortfall at right-back. Whether Frimpong can resolve those doubts under Iraola will be one of the quieter storylines of the season.
