Chelsea will sign several new players this summer as they look to transform the squad in the hope of improving results on the pitch.
Xabi Alonso is set to take charge from July 1 after being confirmed as the Blues' new manager, and the Spaniard will have lots of work to do.
Chelsea endured a poor campaign. Not only did they finish trophyless, they also failed to qualify for any sort of European football next season.
As a result, the club will overhaul its playing squad. Many first team stars, including Alejandro Garnacho, are expected to leave and make way from more experienced players, and interestingly, Gaizka Mendieta believes Alonso should demand to be reunited with one of his former players.
Xabi Alonso told to sign Liverpool defender
Alonso is one of Europe's most highly rated young managers. Although his short stint at Real Madrid didn't go so well, his three years at Bayer Leverkusen was sensational.
The 44-year-old guided Leverkusen to three major trophies, including going unbeaten en-route to the 2023-24 Bundesliga title.
One of Alonso's most important players during that remarkable season was Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutchman joined the Reds last summer but Mendieta feels he should move to Stamford Bridge to be reunited with Alonso.
"Jeremie Frimpong could be a good asset for Xabi Alonso at Chelsea," the former Barcelona star told Grosvenor Sport, via Metro. "Managers have players they trust from previous clubs and there will be a belief from the player that they can find that form again.
‘"We often see players reuniting with former coaches for that reason, especially if things aren’t going well for those players like Frimpong at Liverpool. It’s a way of getting them back to form, hoping you can get the maximum out of the player and help you win things.
"I’m sure Chelsea will be active again in the market, they have to let players leave and bring new players in to suit the new coach."
Frimpong didn't have the best opening season at Anfield.
Despite being signed as Trent Alexander-Arnold's long term successor, the 25-year-old started just 12 Premier League matches and registered just one assist.
No chance Liverpool will sell after just one season
Although there is no doubting Frimpong was excellent under Alonso, it's ridiculous to suggest Liverpool would even consider selling him after just one year.
Sure, Frimpong hasn't set the Premier League alight, but there is no way Liverpool will cut their losses so quickly. There will be an understanding that often it takes time for a player to adapt to England's top-flight.
Even though Frimpong can play in a more advanced position, right-back is one of Chelsea's best positions. With central midfield, defence and left-back likely to be the highest priorities, there is little need for a player like Frimpong to come in.
Alonso will welcome Estevao back in early August and could have some interesting tactical ideas in mind for the Brazilian which could include him being trialed in a wing-back role during pre-season.
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