With Trent’s departure now confirmed, Liverpool are faced with the impossible task of replacing the irreplaceable.
The 26-year-old has been fundamental to Liverpool’s success over the last 7 years, bringing over 110 goal contributions. Put simply, there is no one else like him in world football.
So, the question is, how do you replace him? Well, the reality is, you can’t. But Liverpool’s record in the transfer market is formidable, and the likelihood is they’ve already been looking at replacements for a while.
Here’s our shortlist for the players most suited to replace Trent:
Jeremie Frimpong – The Attacking Dynamo
Perhaps the most exciting name on the list is Dutch right back Jeremie Frimpong.
At Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong has flourished in an advanced wing-back role, contributing 18 goals and setting up another 24 since the beginning of last season. His electric pace and creativity make him one of Europe’s standout attacking full backs.
However, he’s far from a like-for-like replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Frimpong thrives in Leverkusen’s wing-back system, which allows him to push high up the pitch without bearing the full weight of defensive responsibilities. For Slot, who has found success with a back 4 at Liverpool, this could be a tactical headache.
Still, Frimpong remains a compelling option. Reports suggest he has a release clause of just £34 million, and, having spent time at Manchester City, he would also count as a homegrown player—an increasingly valuable asset with Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Ola Aina – A Bargain on a Free
If Liverpool are looking to offset the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold with a savvy piece of business, Ola Aina could be an appealing option. The Nigerian international is out of contract at Nottingham Forest this summer, making him available on a free transfer.
Aina has had a standout season as a key player for a Forest side that have exceeded all expectations. He’s been a mainstay in a defence that has kept the second highest clean sheets all season.
However, Liverpool’s system demands more from its full backs in the attacking third. Aina has managed just 15 key passes this season—far short of Alexander-Arnold’s 51—which could limit his impact in a team that relies on full-backs to create chances.
At 28 years old, Aina is not exactly an investment for the far-flung future, but he could provide a smart short-term solution should Liverpool look to reinvest funds elsewhere. If the reds explore the free-agent market further, another option could be Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, whose contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
Givairo Read – The Rising Star
Given Liverpool’s record developing young players such as Alexander-Arnold, they may be tempted to bring in an up-and-coming youngster like Feyernoord’s Givairo Read.
The 18-year-old Feyenoord right-back is already familiar with new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who handed him his senior debut in a high-profile Europa League clash against Roma.
Read has established himself as a first teamer in the side this year making 23 appearances and recording 6 assists in the Dutch Eredivisie.
That said, Read remains a raw talent with just one full professional season under his belt. A move to Anfield would likely require a patient, long-term approach, giving him time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League before stepping into a regular starting role.
Dodô – The Brazilian Powerhouse
Brazil and Fiorentina right back Dodô is another player linked with a move to Merseyside.
Dodô has emerged as a dynamic presence for Fiorentina since his arrival in 2022. He met with some terrible luck after rupturing his ACL in 2023, but since his return he has gone from strength to strength. Now 26, Dodô is enjoying his most impressive season yet, topping the dribbles charts for Serie A defenders, and bagging 6 assists in the process.
The Brazilian is contracted to Fiorentina until 2027 and could represent an interesting option if Slot wants a powerful, attack-minded fullback.
Conor Bradley – The Homegrown Heir
Probably the most likely candidate to step into Trent’s shoes is Conor Bradley.
The young Northern Irishman made waves after being introduced into the team last season, with two man of the match performances in the space of a few days, including a goal and 2 assists in a 4-1 win vs Chelsea.
Earlier in the season, Slot expressed that for Bradley to take his game to the next level, he needs more consistent game time.
“It’s going to be very important for him, to become an even better player than he is now, to play many games in a row,” Slot told reporters last month.
With Trent now gone, the time has come for Bradley to seize his chance. Does he have the quality to do it? After his 51 appearances for the club so far, many feel that he does.
The major question mark with Bradley is fitness. The Scotsman has already missed 47 matches through injury, a worrying number for a player of his age. If not for this risk, Bradley would be a shoe in to make the spot his own, but given the reality of the situation, it would be unwise for Liverpool not to invest in another quality right back to compete with Bradley, given he could easily miss important stretches of the season.
If Bradley keeps himself fit, however, we’re backing him to be the first choice Liverpool right back this time around next year.