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Liverpool complete deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Frimpong

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Jeremie Frimpong is Liverpool's new right-back
Jeremie Frimpong is Liverpool's new right-backLars Baron / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP
Liverpool have signed defender Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, making him Arne Slot's first signing of the summer.

The Netherlands international, who can play along the right flank, has penned a five-year contract after Liverpool activated a €35 million (£29.5m) release clause.

The Reds' move to snap up Frimpong quickly comes with the knowledge of Trent Alexander-Arnold departing Anfield to join Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old is now expected to compete for the right-back slot with Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley, who recently penned a new four-year deal.

"Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously for me it was a no-brainer," Frimpong told Liverpool's official website.

"For me, it was like, 'Whatever you guys do, just get this done', (speaking to) my agents: 'Just get this done'.

"Liverpool fans, I'm going to give my all, my energy, my work-rate and hopefully we can win together, we celebrate together, get everything together.

"I'm just excited to be here. Thank you guys for accepting me and I won’t let you guys down and I’ll give you the energy that you guys want."

Frimpong's career started as a youth player at Manchester City before joining Celtic in 2019, then moving on to Leverkusen in January 2021.

He emerged as a key figure at Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, helping the club win the Bundesliga unbeaten last season and the DFB-Pokal.

Frimpong made 190 appearances in total for Leverkusen, recording 30 goals and 44 assists during his stint in Germany.

Frimpong's former club Celtic are said to be owed a portion of the transfer fee, with Sky Sports reporting the figure could be worth around £5 million.

Liverpool are also showing an interest in Frimpong's former teammate Florian Wirtz and, according to The Athletic, have made a €130 million (£109.4m) bid to sign the playmaker.

Wirtz has already snubbed Bayern Munich this summer, while Manchester City have pulled out of the running for the 22-year-old.