Alonso's Liverpool Link: Frimpong Tipped for Stamford Bridge Switch

Xabi Alonso has been urged to raid his old club Liverpool for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Jeremie Frimpong emerging as a potential target for Chelsea's incoming manager.

Former Valencia and Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes the Reds' left-back could prove a shrewd acquisition for Alonso, who takes over at Stamford Bridge following a disastrous campaign that saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior dismissed before the Blues finished tenth.

Mendieta's reasoning centres on the established rapport between manager and player, suggesting Frimpong – who arrived at Anfield just twelve months ago – could rediscover his best form under familiar guidance. Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, the Spanish pundit highlighted how such reunions often serve as a reset button for struggling performers seeking to recapture their previous levels.

"Jeremie Frimpong could be a good asset for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea," Mendieta explained. "Managers have players they trust from previous clubs and there will be a belief from the player that they can find that form again."

The prospect of European football will prove decisive for Chelsea's summer business, with the club's absence from continental competition potentially limiting their appeal to top-tier targets. However, the Blues have already identified seven squad members deemed untouchable as Alonso prepares to reshape the squad.

Liverpool's transfer stance on Frimpong has grown increasingly uncertain, with sources close to the Reds indicating they harbour "no desire" to establish him as a long-term starter. That revelation, combined with his modest output on Merseyside, has naturally attracted interest from potential suitors.

On the outgoing front, Marc Cucurella continues to generate transfer chatter, with Manchester United and several Spanish heavyweights circling the Chelsea left-back. Mendieta reckons both Barcelona and Real Madrid would represent compelling destinations for the Spain international, though he suspects Alonso's arrival may prove decisive in keeping him at the Bridge.

"He is very intelligent tactically and can adapt to different roles," Mendieta noted of Cucurella. "We've seen him be more defensive, and we've seen him more offensive, playing higher up almost as a winger."

Whilst Barcelona holds the stronger historical connection, Mendieta believes Champions League football remains the primary draw for an international player weighing his options. The prospect of a season without European competition carries genuine weight for squad players desperate to maintain their standing within their national setup.

Nevertheless, Alonso's tactical system – which typically demands considerable offensive output from full-back positions – should suit Cucurella's skillset perfectly. The new Chelsea boss's previous employers, Bayer Leverkusen, deployed their flankers as attacking weapons, a framework that appears tailor-made for the Spaniard's capabilities.

"Cucurella will be a key player under Xabi Alonso," Mendieta concluded. "The full-backs at Leverkusen used to be quite prolific in attack, so that suits Cucurella." The physical demands of such a system remain considerable, requiring defensive cover from midfield, but Alonso's proven ability to extract maximum value from his wide players suggests Cucurella could flourish under his management.