New full-back Jeremie Frimpong from Liverpool believes that the arrival of the former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz has made his switch to Anfield “Extra Fun”.
Frimpong was the first signing of Liverpool of the summer transfer window and arrived from the Bundesliga side for a five-year deal for a reported £ 29 million (€ 35 million) deal.
And Wirtz quickly followed him to Merseyside and joined a reported club record costs of £ 116 million (€ 135 million) including a potential £ 16 million in add-ons, which was announced on Friday.
The German International was a crucial figure for Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, which made 119 performances under the Spaniard, while he scored 38 goals and delivered 43 assists.
Wirtz helped the club to their very first Bundesliga in 2023-24, as well as the DFB-Pokal, in the unbeaten domestic season of Leverkusen.
He succeeded that with 30 goals involvement in the previous term. His 16 goals were only second for Patrik Schick (27) under the team and scored his count of 13.8 expected goals (XG).
Wirtz also recorded most assists (14), while only Alex Grimaldo (107) created more opportunities than his 91 under Leverkusen players in all competitions last season.
“I am really excited. I am really looking forward to playing with Liverpool. And of course Florian Wirtz, my good friend, he is coming too. That makes it extra fun,” Frimpong told ESPN NL.
“I also know some boys from the national team. So yes, I'm really over. I can't wait for it to start.”
Frimpong was also another crucial part of the success of Leverkusen in the past seasons and was brought in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who moved to Real Madrid.
The full-back has indeed scored more goals (19) than any other defender in Europe's top five competitions in all competitions since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
Asked which manager Arne Slot had told him during the transfer process, Frimpong said: “Yes, certainly. When I spoke to him for the first time, I immediately noticed that he was interested.
“He said he really wanted me in Liverpool and that I would fit in well with the team.
“And when you hear that Arne Slot you want – and then also play for Liverpool – is that just an honor, you know? How can I say no?”
The couple could make their competitive debut for the Reds in the Shield community on 10 August, when they are confronted with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in Wembley.