Five Premier League Fringe Players Could Solve Liverpool's Right-Back Crisis

Liverpool's right-back situation has become increasingly precarious, and manager Arne Slot has made it clear the club won't be throwing money at the problem. When pressed on potential recruitment, the Dutchman bristled at suggestions of a squad overhaul, insisting: "We don't have a squad where we have four right-backs and 12 midfielders and three or four No.9s – that's not how it works over here."

With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined and Conor Bradley unavailable, the Merseysiders find themselves in a genuine bind. Reports suggest Liverpool have already combed the market and determined there are insufficient quality options available for immediate purchase. This opens the door to either a loan move or the acquisition of young talent from clubs where playing time remains elusive.

Ben White (Arsenal)

The Arsenal defender has finally been handed meaningful minutes recently, but his long-term prospects at the Emirates remain murky. While the Gunners rejected an initial Everton approach citing squad depth requirements, White might view Liverpool's right-back landscape differently – particularly the prospect of competing for silverware in a Champions League contender. Should he assess his chances of displacing the incumbent when fully fit, he may push for a move to Anfield.

Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland)

The Dutch international arrived at Sunderland following a long-standing association with Slot at Feyenoord, with widespread speculation he could become the manager's first summer signing at Liverpool. Those links resurface periodically, though the Reds ultimately pursued Frimpong instead. At Sunderland, Geertruida has featured in just ten of 23 league matches this season, often deployed in unfamiliar positions at centre-back or midfield while Regis Le Bris favours Nordi Mukiele down the right.

Rico Lewis (Manchester City)

One of Pep Guardiola's perpetual favourites who somehow never quite makes the cut at the Etihad. The manager recently muddied matters considerably by declaring Lewis "a midfield player" unsuited to playing right-back "up and down the pitch" – a curious stance given Lewis has spent virtually his entire career operating in that very position. A loan spell elsewhere might finally provide clarity on his best role.

Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)

The 19-year-old possesses maturity beyond his years and his potential ceiling remains tantalizingly out of view. Chelsea's obsession with youth talent acquisition, combined with Financial Fair Play regulations that make academy development less financially attractive than external recruitment, creates a path for interested parties. Any fee Liverpool might negotiate could look like a bargain within two years.

Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)

The reliable operator at 35 represents the classic "safe pair of hands" option – someone who can do the job adequately if little else. Whether Newcastle would entertain a departure remains questionable, though Trippier's remaining Premier League shelf life likely measures in months rather than years.