Romano reveals Liverpool stance on urgent right-back signing after Frimpong setback
Jeremie Frimpong joined Liverpool’s growing list of defensive absentees on Wednesday night, and Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the club’s thinking regarding a possible late move for a right-back before the winter window shuts.
Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury, while Joe Gomez picked up a hip problem following a clash with Alisson Becker during last weekend’s 3–2 loss to Bournemouth.
Ibrahima Konate has missed the last two games due to compassionate leave, and fourth-choice centre-back Giovanni Leoni will not feature again this season as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury. These setbacks have left Liverpool stretched at the back, making the potential sale of Andy Robertson to Tottenham appear puzzling—especially after Frimpong suffered a muscle injury in the 6–0 demolition of Qarabag.
Liverpool technically still have a senior right-back in Calvin Ramsay, but the Scot has featured just three times for the club. As a result, speculation has intensified over whether the Reds will turn to the transfer market while it remains open.
Speaking after the Champions League win on Wednesday, Arne Slot emphasised that the club would remain measured in its approach.
“As a club, we always try to make smart decisions,” Slot said. “We don’t just look at the short term, but also the long term. That’s why we often sign young players.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool had already explored the right-back market after Bradley’s injury, but their assessment concluded there were no suitable options available in January. Romano suggested Frimpong’s setback is unlikely to force Liverpool into a rushed or sub-standard signing.
Romano explained that Liverpool chose not to open talks with any clubs after determining there were no right-backs of the required quality available this window. Even with both Bradley and Frimpong now sidelined, the club’s stance remains cautious unless a genuinely strong option emerges.
Another factor influencing Liverpool’s thinking is the expected return of several injured players. Slot hinted that Konate could be available for the upcoming clash with Newcastle, following his return from France after the passing of his father.
Gomez’s hip issue is not considered serious, and even if he misses the Newcastle game, he is expected to be fit for the following fixture against Manchester City. As for Frimpong, Slot suggested the injury may only keep him out for a short period.
“When a player goes off like that, you don’t expect him to play against Newcastle,” Slot said. “But maybe he’s out for days or weeks, not months. We’ll see how it develops.”
With Liverpool now facing a schedule of one game per week, Slot also noted this could help reduce further injuries, though nothing is guaranteed.
Elsewhere, Tottenham have reportedly been informed they still have a strong chance of signing Andy Robertson this month, with claims the defender remains keen on an immediate Anfield exit. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are said to have a verbal agreement in place with one of their key players, but reports from Germany suggest the deal is on hold as the player waits for interest from either Liverpool or Real Madrid.