Liverpool Plot Swoop for Morten Frendrup from Genoa

Frendrup’s profile draws comparisons to N’Golo Kanté for his tenacity and Fabinho for positional intelligence.

SPORTS NEWS

5/4/2025

Liverpool are preparing a summer approach to sign Danish midfielder Morten Frendrup from Serie A side Genoa as manager Arne Slot looks to reinforce his midfield ahead of the title defence next season.

The 24-year-old has impressed since joining Genoa from Brøndby in January 2022, featuring in 34 matches this campaign and ranking among Serie A’s leaders for tackles and interceptions.

Reports suggest Liverpool value his energy, versatility and relentless work rate, and Genoa are willing to consider offers around €30 million.

Genoa face a choice between cashing in on Frendrup or risking a free departure when his contract expires in June 2028.

Last summer, West Ham bid €25 million, but Genoa held firm. With several suitors - Juventus, Aston Villa and Brentford among them - Liverpool believe their historical success in developing midfielders, combined with Frendrup’s admiration for Steven Gerrard, gives them an edge.

The Danish international could arrive for approximately €30 million (£26 million), a moderate outlay in the current market.

Frendrup moved to Genoa for just €3.5 million and has since become a fixture under Patrick Vieira and Alberto Gilardino. This season he has attempted 209 tackles - tied for second in Serie A - and completed 99 successful challenges, ranking eighth across Europe’s top five leagues.

His pass range complements his defensive work: he averages an 87 percent long-pass accuracy and has contributed two goals and five assists in 37 appearances since Genoa’s return to Serie A last term.

Arne Slot’s high-intensity, pressing system demands midfielders who can cover ground, break up play and launch rapid transitions. Frendrup excels in a double-pivot but can also slot in as a defensive full-back, mirroring the versatility of Joshua Kimmich.

With 3.6 combined tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, he meets Liverpool’s benchmarks for ball-winning and discipline, potentially plugging gaps exposed in last season’s Champions League exits.

Frendrup’s profile draws comparisons to N’Golo Kanté for his tenacity and Fabinho for positional intelligence.

At 24, he offers both immediate impact and several peak years ahead. His arrival would bolster defensive solidity and add creative spark in deep areas, addressing recent midfield departures and uncertainty over long-term replacements.

While Genoa signal willingness to sell, Juventus and AC Milan remain interested. Liverpool’s pitch will focus on their track record - Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Fabinho among midfield graduates - and Frendrup’s own affinity for the club. Should the move proceed, he could become central to Liverpool’s domestic and European ambitions.