Bayer Leverkusen confirm Jeremie Frimpong clause as Liverpool push for Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that activated a release clause in Jeremie Frimpong's contract. The Dutch wingback completed his move to the Premier League side on Friday, with Liverpool now setting their sights on securing Florian Wirtz's signature.

Leverkusen, who won the Bundesliga for the first time in their history last year, revealed Liverpool had paid them £29.5million for Frimpong. He's been ushered in as the Reds' Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement, with the Englishman .

In a statement on their website, Leverkusen said: "Jeremie Frimpong is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen for Liverpool FC. The English champions have triggered the release clause in the winger's contract. Dutch international Frimpong, who was signed from Celtic in the winter of 2021, has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool."

It comes amid Liverpool's pursuit of Frimpong's now former Leverkusen team-mate Wirtz, with the recently-crowned champions having submitted a bid in excess of £100m. It was reported by The Athletic that the offer is Liverpool's second, with a previous proposal having been knocked back.

Despite the earlier setback, Wirtz is fully committed to joining Liverpool and isn't believed to be eyeing up a move elsewhere. Bayern Munich and Manchester City had both been touted as a potential suitor, but Wirtz is keen to follow in Frimpong's footsteps.

In the case of Frimpong, it marks a return to England, given he spent nine years in the Manchester City Academy. Following his move to Liverpool, the 24-year-old told Liverpool's website: "You always want to play for the top teams as a footballer, as a kid. Of course when I was younger and Liverpool first came, that was a no-brainer as well, but due to transportation and all these sorts of things, I had to go a different way. And look at me now. So, it has worked really well."

He added: "I think this is the best stadium I played in when I was with Leverkusen: the atmosphere, the fans, the team as well. The whole package is great. I don't need to say too much about the quality [of Liverpool]. They won the league. For me, playing against Liverpool when I was in Leverkusen, really difficult. Really, really difficult. How can I say it? Obviously Leverkusen were still good but you can see that Liverpool is next level."