Liverpool kicked off what is likely to be a busy summer transfer window by making their first new signing on Friday.
The Reds are in good shape having just won the Premier League title, but are ready to improve their squad further in the hunt for more trophies.
On the same day Trent Alexander-Arnold was finally confirmed as a Real Madrid player, Liverpool moved to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
Frimpong spoke of his excitement after signing for the Reds and looks set to join up with former Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz at Anfield.
After the toxic nature of Alexander-Arnold’s exit, supporters were delighted to see the enthusiasm with which Frimpong arrived to join Liverpool.
But as supporters celebrated what could be the first of many signings this summer, they did notice one thing missing from Frimpong’s announcement: the designation of a squad number. Taking to social media with their new man secured, Liverpool fans offered two theories as to why the Dutchman did not take a number.
Liverpool fans offer Jeremie Frimpong theories
Frimpong had been expected to take No. 30 at Liverpool, having worn the shirt at both Celtic and Leverkusen. Given the number is currently vacant for the Reds, this would have been a straightforward operation.
However, with Liverpool stating that ‘Frimpong’s official squad number for the Reds will be confirmed later this summer’ fans have been putting forward their theories.
“Jeremie Frimpong squad number will be confirmed later this summer which means he might have eye on a number that could become vacant this summer,” said one fan.
“Frimpong squad number guesses? Interesting they’ve not announced it yet maybe waiting for one of the ones that are taken but maybe leaving this summer?” added another, with more subscribing to the same opinion.
“Interesting that he doesn’t want 30. Best guess is 2 based on his jersey history from time at city,” someone added.
However, others pointed out that Liverpool may be waiting until their new kit deal with Adidas kicks in, so as to maximise sales of the new strip.
“It will be 30, just hasn’t been confirmed as they will do the pics with next seasons kits as they want people to buy next years kit with new signings on the back,” one fan claimed.
“The club don’t want people buying Nike kits with Frimpong when they’re gonna change to Adidas. Just leads to the club having to eat costs as people may want to swap,” said someone else.
“I think it’s more to do with the kit release date personally as the club always mention numbers subject to change,” one more agreed, with some predicting Frimpong will indeed keep his old number.
“Just don’t want to put it out there until they can start selling it on the Adidas kit makes the most sense. Changing from the 30 he’s had for the last 6 years seems odd,” one fan claimed. “I think Frimpong is not waiting for the number, but Wirtz could be. Therefore it’s better to leave all new signings without a number at the moment,” said another.
Meanwhile, it was also pointed out that while Liverpool may be waiting to confirm Frimpong’s official number, they will have to make some arrangements for pre-season.
“They’ll have to give a number to him for pre-season games which will be in the old kit,” someone said.
What number will Florian Wirtz wear?
Of these theories, we’d suggest that the most likely is the idea that Liverpool are waiting for their Adidas deal to start before announcing new numbers.
Frimpong has worn 30 throughout his senior career so far, and just like Ryan Gravenberch with 38, it seems probable he will want to keep it rather than swapping for a lower number.
As for Wirtz, if he does arrive, he is very much a No. 10. That’s what he wears at Leverkusen and that is the position he plays.
However, Liverpool already have a No. 10, and a very good one at that in Alexis Mac Allister. There is not much chance of Mac Allister giving it up.
As a result, the best suggestion is that Wirtz could wear No. 27 at Liverpool, his former number for Leverkusen. There are others available too, such as 12 and 15, but it seems possible that we won’t find out what he decides until August.
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