Liverpool's 2024–2025 season might be nothing short of spectacular, however the excitement of a trophy-filled season may fade a little in the summer.
Contract issues need to be resolved for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. There is a very real chance that Arne Slot will enter 2025–2026 without at least one talismanic figure, even though hopeful supporters will hope the triumvirate pledge their careers to Anfield.
It is most likely that Alexander-Arnold will leave.
Liverpool fans can't be angry that their local star gave in to the draw of Real Madrid. The player is a revolutionary full-back who has won a lot with his boyhood club. If Jude Bellingham were whispering kind words into your ear, how would you respond?
It is impossible to replace such a fantastic football player, but once Trent's future is known, Michael Edwards may be the one to take over.
Here are five potential Alexander-Arnold replacements for Liverpool to consider.
5. Joshua Kimmich
Although Kimmich hasn't performed well in the last two years, it might be said that his best run of form in recent memory began when Thomas Tuchel moved him back to right-back for the second half of 2023–2024.
Kimmich has been given the opportunity to play in midfield by Vincent Kompany, and the German has repeatedly demonstrated this season that he is still a unique football player. His particularly outstanding showing against RB Leipzig right before the winter break served as a reminder of the threat he poses as a deep-range playmaker.
Although Kimmich may somewhat compensate for Trent's departure in that regard, would he want to play right-back for Liverpool instead, considering that he will probably have several clubs at his disposal when his Bayern Munich contract expires in June? He's interested in playing midfield.
Given how excellent the German would be as a replacement, Slot might need to convince others. If Liverpool can't hold onto their three musketeers, they'll need leaders, but he's not your average Edwards acquisition.
4. Conor Bradley
Given the level Bradley has attained since taking on a senior position, some Liverpool fans would contend that the team doesn't need to make significant investments.
The academy graduate has already made an impression on the Reds' biggest stages and filled in brilliantly for a lengthy time last season.
More of a runner and combiner than a passer, Bradley is a well-rounded full-back who thrives in all phases. He is also a much tougher defender than Trent and is excellent when he ventures in the final third. Despite this, the 21-year-old has established himself in Slot's current lineup and appears ready to fill any potential void. Liverpool's summer right-back search may instead concentrate on providing backup for Bradley.
Liverpool's summer right-back hunt may instead concentrate on providing Bradley with backup because the 21-year-old appears prepared to cover any potential vacancy.
3. Lutsharel Geertruida
In the summer, there were rumors that the new Liverpool manager was "set to bring" the Dutch full-back to Anfield, where Geertruida had been Slot's captain at Feyenoord.
However, a deal never came to pass, and Geertruida instead joined RB Leipzig.
Marco Rose has used the 24-year-old around Leipzig's back four, showcasing his remarkable adaptability in Saxony. Geertruida often played cautious right-back for Slot, but the manager also encouraged him to play infield, where he has undoubtedly shown himself to be at ease.
The arrival of Geertruida would need Slot to make a significant change in dynamics because of the player's different profile from Alexander-Arnold's, but the Liverpool manager might be eager to get back together with a trusted old friend.
2. Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong hasn't played in a back four in a long time, and Slot isn't going to switch tactics for the Dutchman. Long into 2024, nevertheless, there have been rumors about the Bayer Leverkusen wing-back.
Frimpong has been a staple down the right flank this season and was a standout for Xabi Alonso's history-makers last season.
Although the wing-back approaches his work very differently from Alexander-Arnold, he is a dependable contributor to the last third and incredibly dynamic.
Frimpong is not a smooth playmaker when he is deep in the game. When he's getting on the overlap, combining with creators in the half-space, and pounding balls across the box, he produces his best work. With 14 goals in all competitions the previous season, the Dutchman is also a prolific scorer.
Although playing Alexander-Arnold's current role would significantly restrict his skill set, Slot would undoubtedly tweak his system to make sure Frimpong had plenty of opportunities in more senior roles.
1. Pedro Porro
The idea of signing Porro, who has had a difficult 2024–25 season, may make Liverpool supporters laugh, but the Spaniard's decline in performance is mostly due to the amount of minutes he has had to play over the last 18 months.
There are stylistic parallels between Alexander-Arnold and Porro. Although there have been concerns about their defensive prowess, the two are exceptional mechanics who can breach defenses with their exceptional passing ranges. Despite his poor performance against Manchester United, Trent has defended well in 2024–25, while Porro has perhaps been unfairly judged in this area.
Given Porro's extensive Premier League experience, the Spanish international would be the ideal choice for Liverpool if they want to replace their outstanding right-back with someone with a comparable background.
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