Barcelona, Liverpool, Aston Villa in a three-way tussle for 24-year-old Bundesliga star | OneFootball

As the season nears its end, clubs are making decisive moves to strengthen their squads. Barcelona have made signing a top-level right-back a key objective for the upcoming campaign.

As has already been reported, the favourite within both Hansi Flick’s staff and the Catalans’ sporting department is Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen.

The Dutch international is expected to leave this summer thanks to an accessible release clause worth €35-40 million, with there being no shortage of suitors for him.

Barcelona in a three-way battle

As per SPORT, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Aston Villa have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and are currently in contact with his representatives over a possible move.

Barcelona’s scouting department has thoroughly evaluated several right-backs across the market and Frimpong tops their wishlist.

Liverpool have moved quickly to secure the Dutchman following the confirmed departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is headed to Real Madrid.

Aston Villa, less publicly involved, have also been in talks with Frimpong for some time.

Barcelona’s stance

In demand. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

While the fee itself is not disputed, Barcelona are unwilling to enter into bidding wars on wages and will not match inflated offers.

The stance is clear: if Frimpong wants to join Barcelona, he must make a clear move in that direction, and only then would the deal proceed – if financially viable.

The Blaugrana believe the player’s preference is to play at Camp Nou, though they are aware that timing and financial constraints may complicate matters.

Indeed, the issue lies in timing. Barcelona are awaiting confirmation from La Liga on whether they will operate under the 1:1 financial rule as of 1 July.

The club has instructed the sporting department to plan for that scenario, but major signings depend on outgoing transfers. The current strategy involves selling a central defender to finance the arrival of a high-level right-back.

That process may take time, and Frimpong could make his decision earlier. Liverpool, in fact, are already negotiating to sign him before the FIFA Club World Cup, ready to trigger his clause and offer a five-year contract.

While Barcelona had strong hopes regarding Frimpong a few weeks ago, optimism has since diminished. As a result, the club continues to assess other options including Marc Pubill of Almeria and Vanderson of AS Monaco.