Barcelona suffer major setback as top defensive target becomes Liverpool’s first summer signing

Barcelona’s hopes of landing Jeremie Frimpong have officially come to an end, with trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Dutch international will join Liverpool as their first summer signing. 

The 24-year-old right-back had been on Barcelona’s radar for months and was viewed as a potential game-changer down the flank, but the club has now been forced to abandon the pursuit due to financial constraints and Liverpool’s swift action.

Frimpong, who reportedly admired Barça’s sporting project and was intrigued by the prospect of working under Hansi Flick, had been identified by Deco and the coaching staff as an ideal candidate to inject pace and power into the right side. 

Crucially, his arrival would have allowed Jules Kounde to return to his natural centre-back role. However, the €35 million release clause and the need for immediate closure meant the operation was unfeasible for Barça in their current financial state.

Liverpool moved fast

Liverpool, meanwhile, wasted no time. They moved decisively, triggered the clause, and offered Frimpong a five-year deal, which the player has accepted. 

He is now set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is nearing a move to Real Madrid. Frimpong could even feature in the upcoming Club World Cup, such has been the urgency of the Merseyside club’s business.

This development deals a heavy blow to Barcelona’s summer planning, especially given how much emphasis was placed on strengthening the right-back position. With Frimpong now off the table, the club must revisit their shortlist and do so with caution.

Among the alternatives, Barça have been closely following Vanderson of AS Monaco and Dodo of Fiorentina, the two Brazilian full-backs represented by the same agent. 

Both possess attacking flair and tactical awareness, but would also come with sizeable price tags. In La Liga, Marc Pubill of Almeria remains an interesting prospect due to his youth and potential, while Givairo Read of Feyenoord has also been tracked for his consistent performances.

Still, everything hinges on one key variable: outgoings. With the club still needing to balance the books, it remains unclear whether a significant investment in the right-back slot will be greenlit unless there are notable departures.