As F.C. Barcelona gears up for the upcoming summer transfer window, the club is eyeing Jeremie Frimpong, a right-back for Bayer Leverkusen, to bolster their defensive roster ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Under the guidance of head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona has identified the need for a capable backup to Jules Koundé, who has flourished in his role this season. Despite originally being a center-back, Koundé’s prowess at right-back has prompted serious consideration from Flick and the management about securing a more specialized option to ensure the team's competitiveness.
Frimpong has emerged as a key target for the Catalan side, having demonstrated remarkable capabilities in his 2024-25 season where he recorded four goals and 11 assists across 40 matches, logging an impressive 2,838 minutes of play. His attacking prowess, pace, and ability to dismantle defenses have made him a coveted player on the transfer market.
"Barcelona believe Frimpong can rotate with Kounde at right-back, and they also believe that he is capable of standing in for Lamine Yamal on the right wing when required," reported by Relevo. This adaptability makes Frimpong an attractive signing as the club seeks to enhance strategic depth on the field.
However, signing the 30-year-old won’t come easily. Bayer Leverkusen has set a high transfer fee of approximately 40 million euros for Frimpong's services, while Barcelona aims to keep their expenditure below 25 million euros for a full-back. Despite the upper hand held by Leverkusen—Frimpong's current contract runs until 2028—the club may be willing to part with him if the asking price is met.
The tug-of-war for Frimpong might intensify, with Liverpool also competing for the Dutch international's signature, especially as they look for potential successors to Trent Alexander-Arnold, further complicating Barcelona's aspirations to land him.
Beyond Frimpong, Barcelona is also exploring options for left-back improvements, with players like Alex Grimaldo—a former product of the club’s youth academy—on their radar. Despite this interest, recent reports suggest that such deals may not reflect priority for sporting director Deco.
Barcelona understands that to compete at the highest levels, especially after Koundé’s extensive play this season—exacerbated by Flick’s faith in him over Hector Fort—they must bolster their lineup. As the chasing season approaches, the board has been clear about their focus on acquiring a new right-back capable of supporting and sparring with Koundé for limited minutes in the 2025-26 season.
In the past few weeks, Barcelona has also been linked with other talents, including Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu, but managerial perspectives have leaned toward Frimpong as the most promising investment. The German head coach Flick has approved the pursuit of the Bayer defender, citing his ability to push for a starting role while adapting to various tactical systems.
Ultimately, Frimpong's signing could greatly benefit not only the depth chart for Barcelona but also provide a luxury replacement for Koundé during the strenuous parts of the season, allowing him to manage his minutes more effectively. Leverkusen's strategy allows for potential sales at favorable prices, and the move could serve both clubs well.
As negotiations unfold and decisions loom, Barcelona must navigate through the complexities of the transfer market while considering their financial limits. The hope remains that they can strike a deal that brings Frimpong into their fold, fortifying the right side of their defense for seasons to come.
