Barcelona suffer major setback as top defensive target agrees to join Liverpool | OneFootball

Barcelona’s transfer plans have taken a significant hit as Jeremie Frimpong, one of the club’s top defensive targets, has reportedly agreed to join Liverpool this summer, according to a report from SPORT.

The Dutch international had been closely monitored by Barcelona since last season, with new manager Hansi Flick identifying him as a key addition to reinforce the right-back position.

However, Liverpool have moved swiftly and decisively, reaching a full agreement with Frimpong, who will sign a contract until 2030.

The deal also includes the payment of his €40 million release clause to Bayer Leverkusen, ending any hopes Barcelona had of securing the pacy full-back’s services.

Barcelona lose their target

Frimpong’s decision to join Liverpool seems linked to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, with the Merseyside club seeing the Dutchman as the ideal long-term replacement.

Jeremie Frimpong is set to join Liverpool. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Liverpool’s quick and aggressive approach has left Barcelona and Aston Villa, another keen contender in recent days, trailing in the race.

For Barcelona, this is a frustrating setback. With Flick eager to bring in a dynamic and attack-minded right-back to modernise the team’s build-up and width, Frimpong was seen as the perfect profile.

Despite Barcelona having tracked Frimpong since his breakthrough with Leverkusen, their inability to act swiftly, compounded by financial constraints and competition from Premier League clubs, has once again cost them a high-profile signing.

This scenario reflects a growing pattern in recent years where Barça, despite their intent, often lose out to richer or quicker rivals in the transfer market.

Moreover, the loss of Frimpong could now intensify pressure on Barcelona’s sporting department to either secure an alternative target or place renewed faith in current options or explore La Masia talents.

Frimpong, for his part, had long expressed a desire to leave the Bundesliga for a new challenge, and with Liverpool entering as Premier League champions and offering a clear role in their future plans, the choice became inevitable.