2 wins and 1 loss? The top three giants of the five major leagues completed a closed-loop swap of right-backs

This summer window saw an intriguing closed-loop trade of right-backs among the top three giants of the five major leagues, involving Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayer Leverkusen, and players Vázquez, Arnold, and Frimpong.

Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayer Leverkusen completed a closed-loop trade of right-backs:

• Arnold: 26 years old, English defender, transferred from Liverpool to Real Madrid for €10 million.
• Frimpong: 24 years old, Dutch defender, joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for €40 million.
• Vázquez: 34 years old, Spanish defender, moved to Bayer Leverkusen from Real Madrid on a free transfer.

With Bayer Leverkusen successfully signing Vázquez on a free, the “Pharmacy” club playfully shared a classic Spider-Man meme to celebrate completing the right-back closed-loop swap among the top three giants of the five major leagues.

So why is it described as a 2-win-1-loss scenario? Frimpong will definitely be Liverpool’s main right-back, and veteran Vázquez can continue his career well at Leverkusen. However, Arnold, in his prime and once Liverpool’s prized player, chose to move to Real Madrid this summer. Yet, Real Madrid’s 33-year-old Carvajal remains strong and in form, making it difficult for Arnold to secure a starting spot. If Carvajal maintains his level for the next 2-3 years, Arnold’s situation at Real Madrid will be quite awkward.