It's finally happening! Liverpool closing in on transfer to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold

It's finally happening! Liverpool closing in on transfer to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool may finally be turning their attention to a long-term successor for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the need for a player of his quality now becoming clear.

Conor Bradley’s injury earlier this season only highlighted a problem that sporting director Richard Hughes was always likely to confront.

Despite ongoing efforts behind the scenes, replacing a player with Alexander-Arnold’s unique skill set has proven far more challenging than expected.

There is also a growing sense that Jeremie Frimpong is viewed by Arne Slot as more of an attacking option than a conventional right-back, with his own injury concerns adding further doubt.

Frimpong’s strengths are best utilised higher up the pitch, and he has not consistently been relied upon in a deeper defensive role.

Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai has occasionally filled in at right-back, though that has always appeared to be a short-term workaround rather than a lasting solution.

Beyond the defensive concerns, Liverpool are also feeling the absence of Alexander-Arnold’s creativity.

His ability to dictate play from deep and unlock defences was a key part of the team’s identity. Florian Wirtz was expected to help compensate for that loss, but so far, he has yet to fully deliver in that regard.

The German is best deployed further up the field - hence why he is more of a creator in and around the penalty area. Arne Slot tried to deploy Wirtz deeper earlier on in the season to make-up for the loss of Alexander-Arnold but it didn't work.