Liverpool’s swift move to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with Bayer Leverkusen’s star right-back Jeremie Frimpong has sparked intense debate. While the acquisition of the Dutchman is seen as a shrewd piece of business, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has delivered a candid verdict, questioning whether Frimpong can truly fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold. Coupled with the surprising departure of goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford, Liverpool’s transfer decisions have raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the club’s future.
Frimpong: A Stellar Signing, But No Alexander-Arnold
Jeremie Frimpong, who joined Liverpool last month, arrives with an impressive pedigree. The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title win and earned a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for both 2022-23 and 2023-24. His athleticism and ability to maraud up and down the right flank make him a dynamic addition to Arne Slot’s squad. However, O’Hara, speaking to Grosvenor Sport, tempered expectations, suggesting that Frimpong falls short of Alexander-Arnold’s brilliance.
“Jeremie Frimpong is another really good signing for Liverpool,” O’Hara remarked. “He’s more athletic and will be able to get up and down the line for the whole game. That wasn’t Trent’s strength – we’ve seen in the Club World Cup that he’s struggling to do that in a Real Madrid shirt.”
Despite Frimpong’s credentials, O’Hara believes the Dutchman cannot replicate Alexander-Arnold’s unique skill set. “I don’t think Frimpong will reach the same level as Trent did,” he added. “He won’t be able to match Trent’s ability with the ball at his feet. Trent was compared to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne in terms of passing ability and creativity, which is a testament to how good he is. His contributions in the form of assists were unmatched for Liverpool, which is why Madrid signed him.”
Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, confirmed on May 30, 2025, came after he signaled his intent to leave Liverpool on May 5. The England international’s departure left a significant gap, as his vision, passing range, and set-piece mastery had been central to Liverpool’s success over the years.
Conor Bradley: Not Ready to Step Up?
With Alexander-Arnold’s exit, many fans hoped that academy graduate Conor Bradley could step into the right-back role. The Northern Irish international, who debuted for Liverpool’s senior team in 2023, has shown promise but failed to convince O’Hara of his readiness to be a first-choice defender for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
“I know that some fans have argued they’ve got Conor Bradley – who is a good player – but he’s not good enough to be a starting defender for Liverpool, let alone have the same effect as Trent,” O’Hara stated bluntly. Bradley now faces a fierce battle with Frimpong for the right-back spot, with the Dutchman’s experience and pedigree giving him the edge.
Caoimhin Kelleher’s Shock Move to Brentford
In another surprising transfer, Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has joined Brentford for an initial fee of $17.2 million, with potential add-ons that could raise the total to $24.7 million. O’Hara expressed astonishment at the move, highlighting Kelleher’s talent and potential to be a first-choice goalkeeper at a top European club.
“Caoimhin Kelleher is a fantastic acquisition for Brentford,” O’Hara said. “He’s an exceptional player; too talented to be Liverpool’s second choice. However, I must confess, I anticipated Kelleher signing with a top European club as their first-choice goalkeeper.”
Kelleher, who joined Liverpool’s academy in 2015 from Ringmahon Rangers, made 67 appearances for the Reds, keeping 24 clean sheets. His record in penalty shootouts is particularly remarkable, with six saves and four victories, the most in Liverpool’s history. O’Hara praised Brentford’s coup, noting, “For Brentford to sign him on a permanent deal is a great piece of business, especially when they’re losing some of their best players and given the pressure they’ll be under next season with a new manager.”
The Truth Behind Liverpool’s Controversial Decisions
Liverpool’s transfer strategy has sparked debate about whether the club is making the right moves to maintain their status as Premier League and European contenders. Replacing a player of Alexander-Arnold’s caliber was always going to be a tall order, and while Frimpong brings dynamism and proven quality, O’Hara’s verdict underscores the challenge of matching Trent’s creative output. Similarly, Kelleher’s departure to Brentford, while financially sensible, raises questions about Liverpool’s depth in goal, especially given his proven ability.
As Arne Slot navigates these changes, the spotlight will be on Frimpong and Bradley to prove their worth at right-back, while Brentford reaps the benefits of Kelleher’s talent. For Liverpool fans, the hope is that these bold decisions will pave the way for continued success, but O’Hara’s blunt assessment serves as a reminder of the high standards set by Alexander-Arnold and the challenges that lie ahead.