2 days Ago By [email protected] (Harry Brent)
Liverpool may be on the verge of being crowned Premier League champions, but that doesn't mean problems aren't waiting for them around the corner. The threat of losing Mohamed Salah , Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold is well documented, but the Reds are also facing pressing squad-building issues. While the futures of Salah and Van Dijk remain uncertain, Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid looks all but sealed .
His departure will not only leave a glaring hole on the right side of Liverpool's defence, it also leaves them dangerously light on homegrown players. Premier League rules require clubs to include at least eight homegrown players in a full 25-man squad, with a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players. A homegrown player is defined as someone registered with an English club for at least three years before turning 21.
This season, Arne Slot has just seven homegrown stars in his senior squad, and Alexander-Arnold's departure will reduce that figure to six. Additionally, several other homegrown and soon-to-be homegrown players are being linked with summer exits, meaning Liverpool may need to prioritise signings developed in England - which is where Jeremie Frimpong comes in. The Bayer Leverkusen full-back, who has long been linked with a move to Anfield, spent nine years in Manchester City's academy, making him eligible for homegrown status.
Signing him wouldn't just help fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold on the right flank - it would ease Liverpool's homegrown quota concerns. Frimpong, 24, has been in strong form for Xabi Alonso's side recently. He was a central cog in their Bundesliga -winning campaign last season, and has been almost ever-present in the line-up since joining from Celtic in 2021.
Reports suggest the Dutchman has a £33.5million release clause in his contract and it's understood Liverpool are considering a summer approach. His relatively modest price tag could be crucial, especially with the club planning reinforcements across multiple positions this summer.
Replacements will need to found for Salah and Van Dijk if the pair fail to agree contract extensions in the coming weeks, and it's thought the Reds are looking to sign a new centre forward too, with Newcastle's Alexander Isak among their top targets . If Frimpong replaces Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's homegrown count won't take a hit. However, uncertainty surrounds the futures of several other homegrown players.
Backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher may seek a move in search of regular football, particularly with Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving in the summer. Similarly, Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah have been linked with end-of-season exits due to limited game-time under Slot. It's a situation Liverpool must manage carefully, otherwise they may be forced to shrink their squad.
If they register only seven homegrown players, their squad limit will be capped at 24. With six, it drops to 23, and so on. Notably, players under 21 at the start of the season don't need to be registered and don't count toward the homegrown or non-homegrown quotas.
This season, Elliott and Quansah were ineligible for homegrown status, but as both turned 21, they will qualify next season - providing they stay put. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
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