Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has revealed that he would be open to a move to Liverpool at some point in the future.
The Dutchman has been central to Die Werkself's unforeseen Bundesliga title charge in the 2023-24 season, coming up with seven goals and as many assists in 21 top-flight outings from his wing-back role.
In addition, Frimpong has registered one goal and three assists from four DFB-Pokal outings during his side's run to the semi-finals, seeing his stock rise even higher after previous promising performances.
The 23-year-old has long been linked with a move to Manchester United in order to ply his trade under compatriot Erik ten Hag, but amid growing interest in his services, he signed a new deal with Leverkusen until 2028 last October.
However, Frimpong's contract is said to include a release clause of around €40m (£34.3m), which would prove affordable for most if not all clubs hoping to prise him away from the BayArena this summer.
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Man United are still believed to be tracking Frimpong's progress in Germany, but Arsenal have also been tipped to trigger the Netherlands international's release clause in the upcoming transfer window.
Amid Liverpool's pursuit of Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso, though, Frimpong has also admitted that it would be "great" to turn out for the six-time Champions League winners.
"Liverpool? Great club, with history. That would be great. Who knows what the future will bring," the former Celtic man told Ziggo Sport, as quoted by Soccer News.
Thanks to Frimpong's feats, the stellar contributions of his teammates and Bayern Munich's patchy form, Leverkusen hold an eight-point advantage atop the Bundesliga rankings as they bid to deny the reigning champions their 12th straight title.
With all of Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern and potentially even Real Madrid entering the managerial market this summer, Leverkusen appear to be fighting a losing battle to keep hold of Alonso, who only took over in October 2022.
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Frimpong also spoke of his enjoyment at playing in Alonso's system, although he is refusing to get too carried away in the race for Bundesliga glory, in spite of the fact that Leverkusen are yet to suffer a single top-flight loss this term.
"We haven't lost yet this season. But yes, football is changeable, we have to keep concentration. We all trust the coach and know we can do something big this season. We all want to win a trophy, and the coach helps with his playing style," Frimpong added.
""He has also worked under top trainers and can now combine those experiences himself. Everyone enjoys the playing style, but we shouldn't think too easily. Yes, we are eight points ahead, but that is nothing. Certainly not with Bayern, who have already become champions 11 times in a row."
Frimpong honed his craft in the Manchester City youth system, but he failed to make a single appearance for the Citizens, who sold him to Celtic for a nominal sum in 2019.
The 23-year-old commanded a modest £9.4m fee to leave Celtic for Leverkusen midway through the 2020-21 campaign and has now made 123 appearances for Die Werkself, scoring 20 goals and setting up 30 more.
Ben Knapton
