I keep seeing Michael Kayode’s name linked with Liverpool, and the more I think about it, the more I like the idea.
Liverpool have been trying to find the right answer at right-back ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid. Conor Bradley has the talent, but injuries have been a problem, while Jeremie Frimpong hasn’t quite settled into the role as many of us hoped.
Ronald Araújo has given Andoni Iraola another option, and I’ve been impressed by what he offers defensively.
But is he the long-term answer at right-back?
I’m not convinced.
That’s why Michael Kayode is a name Liverpool supporters should keep an eye on.
Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Kayode
Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring the Brentford defender, with CaughtOffside claiming he has moved towards the top of the Reds’ recruitment watchlist.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked, while Juventus could be interested in bringing him back to Italy. However, there has been no confirmed Liverpool bid or direct negotiation with Brentford.
So we need to be sensible about this. There is a difference between identifying a player as a potential target and actually being close to signing him.
Still, I can understand why Liverpool would be interested.
Kayode is only 21 and has already established himself as an important player for Brentford. He was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award after an impressive 2025/26 campaign, and Brentford were quick to secure his future with a new contract in July.
That tells you he isn’t just another young defender with potential.
He’s already producing at Premier League level.
Why I think he could suit Liverpool
The first thing that stands out to me is his physical presence.
Kayode is athletic, aggressive and comfortable getting forward, but he also has defensive qualities that make him an interesting option. Brentford highlighted both sides of his game when discussing his progress last season.
His long throw-ins have also become a weapon, giving his team another way to create problems in the opposition penalty area.
Liverpool need a right-back who can contribute to the attack without leaving the defence exposed every time possession is lost.
That balance is important.
Frimpong has enormous pace and attacking ability, but adapting from his role at Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool’s demands has not been straightforward. Bradley offers a different profile, while Araújo has shown that defensive reliability can be just as valuable as attacking output.
Kayode could offer a blend of those qualities.
I’m not saying he would walk into the team and solve everything immediately. But he looks like the type of player Liverpool could develop into a long-term fixture at Anfield.
What happens to Frimpong?
This is where things become interesting.
Liverpool signed Frimpong because of his attacking qualities and his experience at the highest level with Leverkusen. I wouldn’t write him off after a difficult spell, particularly when adapting to a new league and system can take time.
But Liverpool cannot ignore the right-back situation either.
Bradley’s fitness has been a concern, Frimpong has struggled to establish himself consistently, and Araújo is useful in more than one defensive position.
If Liverpool decide they need a different long-term option, Kayode makes sense as someone to investigate.
Would signing him mean Frimpong has to leave? Not necessarily. Liverpool could want greater competition and depth rather than an immediate replacement.
But if the club eventually decides that Frimpong isn’t the right fit, Kayode could become a very interesting alternative.
The problem is Brentford’s asking price
There is one major obstacle.
Kayode signed a new contract with Brentford until 2032, with the club holding an option for an additional year. That puts the Bees in a strong negotiating position, and recent reports suggest Liverpool could have to pay more than £50 million to tempt them into a deal.
That’s serious money for a young right-back.
But Liverpool have to consider the bigger picture. If they believe Kayode can become their first-choice right-back for years, investing heavily in the position could make sense.
The question is whether they believe he’s worth that sort of fee — and whether Brentford would even entertain a January departure.
I wouldn’t assume a deal is close. His contract situation makes that unlikely to be straightforward.
Could Kayode be Liverpool’s next long-term right-back?
For me, this is one to watch rather than get carried away with.
Kayode has already shown that he can handle Premier League football, he’s still young enough to improve, and his style appears to offer a useful balance of athleticism, attacking intent and defensive strength.
Liverpool need to get this position right.
Bradley deserves the chance to prove himself when fit. Frimpong deserves time to show what he can do. And Araújo has given Iraola a valuable option.
But Liverpool should always be looking ahead, particularly when a player of Kayode’s age and profile becomes available in the market.
I can see why Liverpool are interested.
The price could be a stumbling block, and there is no guarantee Brentford will sell. But if Liverpool’s recruitment team genuinely believe Kayode can become their long-term answer at right-back, I would be very interested to see how this develops.
Because after losing Trent, Liverpool still need to find a solution that works for the long haul.
And Michael Kayode is starting to look like a very interesting candidate.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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