Liverpool’s summer signing Jeremie Frimpong has come under heavy criticism after reports confirmed that the right-back will be sidelined for another six weeks due to a recurring hamstring injury. The Dutch international, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen with high expectations, has struggled to make any meaningful impact since his much-publicized move to Anfield.
Frimpong’s latest setback adds to a frustrating start to life at Liverpool, with fans and pundits alike questioning the wisdom behind his transfer. Signed for a reported £45 million fee, the 24-year-old was expected to bring pace, energy, and attacking flair to the right flank. Instead, his time at the club has been marred by inconsistency, injuries, and tactical struggles.
A Costly Gamble Gone Wrong
When Arne Slot took over from Jürgen Klopp earlier this year, Frimpong was touted as a key part of his new-look Liverpool side. His arrival was supposed to signal the beginning of a more dynamic and modern approach — one where full-backs played almost as wingers. Having impressed in the Bundesliga with his blistering runs and goal contributions, Frimpong seemed the perfect fit for Slot’s attacking blueprint.
But things have quickly gone downhill. After only a handful of appearances, the right-back’s season has been plagued by injuries and poor form. The latest hamstring issue — the third of its kind since joining Liverpool — has raised serious doubts about his long-term fitness and suitability for the Premier League’s physical demands.
The club’s medical team initially expected him to return before the end of October, but a recent scan revealed a strain that will now keep him out until mid-December. For many supporters, patience has already run out.
Fans Turn Frustration Into Outrage
Liverpool supporters, already disappointed by a series of underwhelming performances across the squad, have voiced their anger on social media. Many have labelled Frimpong as “the most pointless signing” of the season, claiming his contribution has been virtually non-existent.
One frustrated fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“£45 million for a player who’s spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch. What a waste of space.”
Another added:
“He was meant to replace Trent or offer rotation. Instead, he’s offered nothing but injury reports and excuses. Total flop.”
The online backlash reflects growing disillusionment among fans who expected Slot’s rebuild to deliver immediate results. With Liverpool already struggling in both domestic and European competitions, every poor transfer decision is magnified.
A Shadow Over Arne Slot’s Rebuild
For manager Arne Slot, the situation is far from ideal. The Dutch tactician personally advocated for Frimpong’s signing, seeing him as a familiar face and system fit from their shared Dutch football background. Slot’s preference for inverted full-backs who push high up the pitch meant Frimpong’s style seemed tailor-made for his system.
However, injuries and poor adaptation have meant the Liverpool boss has had to repeatedly shuffle his defense, with Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley filling in at right-back. The constant changes have affected team stability and rhythm, while the lack of productivity from the flanks has been a noticeable weakness.
Sources close to the club suggest that Slot remains supportive of Frimpong, insisting that the defender will come good once fully fit. But even he reportedly admitted in private that the player’s recurring injuries have “severely disrupted” his tactical plans.
Pundits Question Recruitment Strategy
Football pundits have also weighed in, questioning Liverpool’s recruitment strategy. Former Premier League defender Micah Richards commented:
> “Frimpong’s a good player, but Liverpool paid big money for someone who clearly wasn’t ready for the Premier League’s intensity. You can’t afford to gamble like that when you’re rebuilding.”
Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool striker Dean Saunders was more blunt:
“Right now, Frimpong looks like a waste of money. He’s offered nothing — no goals, no assists, no defensive solidity. It’s harsh, but Liverpool needed someone reliable, not another injury-prone experiment.”
Such criticism echoes the sentiment of many who believe Liverpool should have prioritized strengthening other areas of the squad — particularly in midfield and central defense — instead of spending heavily on a player whose fitness record was already questionable.
Uncertain Future Ahead
As Liverpool’s season unfolds, Frimpong’s future at Anfield is already being debated. Though it’s too early to completely write him off, his lack of availability and impact have made it difficult for fans to envision him as part of the club’s long-term plans.
Some reports suggest that Liverpool could even explore loaning him out next season if his form and fitness don’t improve. That would be a humiliating outcome for both the player and the club’s recruitment department, considering the fee involved.
For now, the focus will be on his recovery — but even if he returns before the end of the year, he faces a mountain to climb to win back supporters’ trust and justify his place in the squad.
Jeremie Frimpong’s Liverpool career has so far been defined by promise unfulfilled. What was meant to be a statement signing under a new era has instead become a costly reminder that potential means little without performance and reliability.
Unless Frimpong can recover quickly and deliver the kind of performances that made him one of Europe’s most exciting full-backs, his time at Anfield may be remembered not for his talent — but for being Liverpool’s most pointless signing and a complete waste of space.
