Relevo reported that Barcelona wants to sign a new right-back in the next summer transfer window to compete with Jules Kounde, and is also considering signing a left-back.
Koundé has been performing exceptionally well this season, and Barcelona is considering renewing his contract. However, at the same time, the club sees the need for a strong alternative to compete with him, with the possibility of relying on the Frenchman as a central defender at any moment.
The Catalan club’s management was torn between two options: Rayo Vallecano’s André Rattilo and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jérémy Frimpong. Ultimately, in agreement with Hansi Flick, they chose the German club’s star.
Barcelona’s choice of the Dutch full-back was based on two factors: the player has a release clause of up to €40 million, and he personally welcomes the idea of wearing the blue shirt. The second factor is that he can also be relied upon as a winger, thus serving as a replacement for Lamine Yamal.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is interested in signing another Bayer Leverkusen player, Alex Grimaldo, a youngster from the club. Catalan officials also want the Spaniard to compete with and replace his compatriot Alejandro Balde.
Frimpong has made 182 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 29 goals and providing 40 assists. Liverpool are reportedly considering him as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to leave for Real Madrid.
Grimaldo has made 90 appearances for the pharmaceutical company in all competitions, contributing 47 goals, scoring 16 and assisting 31.
