Manager Ronald Koeman explained the decision to omit Jeremie Frimpong from his Netherlands World Cup squad, as three other Liverpool players were included.
Liverpool wing-back Jeremie Frimpong will not be going to the World Cup in North America this summer, said Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman.
In a press conference announcing his squad on Wednesday afternoon, Koeman explained the decision was based upon Frimpong's injury record and the availability of other tactical options on the right flank.
"It’s true that he’s been injured quite often this season; against Ecuador, he came on as a substitute but had to come off again very quickly.. That’s a physical issue, but I’ve also chosen someone else to play on the right wing: [Crysencio] Summerville.. That comes as no surprise to me, as I wanted to call [Summerville] up back in March. I like that sort of player who is reliable on the pitch. He’s very capable of playing on the right flank, too, but his work ethic is exceptional. "
Frimpong's omission is the culmination of a disappointing first season in England. The Dutch international was signed as the replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer of 2025, but has struggled for fitness and form throughout the season.
In brighter news for Liverpool, Frimpong's teammates Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo will all be on the Oranje plane. They will challenge Group F with:
- Japan
- Sweden
- Tunisia
A Difficult First Season for Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million ($39 million) in May 2025, a year after helping the German side go unbeaten and win the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal.
“We brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as a right full-back, but I also feel that he can play as a right winger. Signing Jeremie was for multiple reasons, but one of them was that he could replace Mo if Mo is not there. There are other options as well, but Jeremie is definitely one of them."
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff).Frimpong made 35 appearances in all competitions last year but only made 12 starts in 21 league games due to persistent hamstring injuries, a recurring issue that did not affect him at Leverkusen.
Injury problems with Liverpool's other right-back, Conor Bradley meant Liverpool were struggling with balance for a lot of 2025/2026. Makeshift full-backs like Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai filled in, meaning their talents could not be utilised in midfield.
Frimpong was utilised as a right-winger but struggled to have a meaningful output, registering two league assists. He scored two goals in other competitions: one in the FA Cup and one in the Community Shield.
Fitness issues restricted him to just a single appearance for the Netherlands, playing 13 minutes of a friendly against Ecuador in March.
What Next for Jeremie Frimpong?
Frimpong returned to the squad on the final day of the season with a brief 16-minute cameo against Brentford.
Not being picked for the World Cup will surely hurt, but it will give Frimpong time to rest ahead of next season. With Bradley's injury concerns well-documented, Liverpool need a fit Frimpong to get back to their best.
