Barcelona were interested in Bundesliga defender as an alternative for Joao Cancelo – Romano

Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Barcelona showed interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen starlet Jeremie Frimpong in recent times, but the Blaugrana dropped the pursuit once they signed Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.

Ever since leaving Celtic in January 2021, the 22-year-old right-back has enjoyed life at Leverkusen so much so that he has already played more than 100 games for the German team. 

Last season, the Netherlands U-21 international scored nine goals, which was a reason enough for the suitors to take note of his situation.

Barcelona, Man United showed an interest

Interestingly enough, when Barcelona took note of Frimpong, they weren’t the only team tracking his progress, with Romano also crediting Manchester United with an interest. 

Earlier this month, however, the defender decided to extend his stay with Leverkusen, signing a contract that now runs until 2028.

Romano shed light on the rumours swirling around Frimpong. He revealed that a year ago, Manchester United had pondered the idea of acquiring him, but this summer, their interest had waned. 

As for Barcelona, they viewed him as a secondary choice had their pursuit of Cancelo for the same role fallen through.

“Barcelona also considered Frimpong in case they couldn’t get a deal done for Joao Cancelo, but Cancelo was always their number one target for that position,” Romano wrote in his column for Caught Offside.

Barcelona very happy with Joao Cancelo

Had Barcelona failed to acquire Cancelo from Manchester City, there was a possibility that they might have gone for Frimpong.

However, things have panned out well for Barcelona and even Cancelo as the move has worked wonders for everyone involved.

The Portuguese international has made a big impression at the club already and wants to remain in Catalonia beyond his loan spell which expires at the end of the season.

In fact, if some reports are to be believed, there is already an agreement between Barcelona and Man City over a £24.3 million fee for the permanent transfer of Cancelo.