Jeremie Frimpong's Liverpool career could be coming to a swift and surprising end. Barcelona have placed the Dutch right-back on their January transfer shortlist, and the Reds are reportedly ready to sanction a £35 million sale — just 18 months after he arrived at Anfield.
According to Spanish journalist Juan Jesus, the Blaugrana are seriously monitoring Frimpong's situation as Hansi Flick looks to strengthen at right-back. The report claims Liverpool would open the door to his departure for £35m, a significant return on the fee they paid for him in the summer of 2025.
From Leverkusen Star to Anfield Afterthought
Frimpong arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025 for £29.5 million, fresh off a title-winning campaign with the German side. Much was expected of the Netherlands international, who had been earmarked by Barcelona themselves before Liverpool activated his release clause.
But injuries and inconsistent performances have restricted him to just 40 appearances for the Reds, with two goals and two assists. This season, under new manager Andoni Iraola, his stock has fallen further: only two Premier League starts and a mere 31 minutes in the Champions League so far.
Jesus claims Frimpong is 'going through a nightmare at Liverpool, unable to adapt to England,' and that he does not feature in Iraola's plans. The Spanish report goes further, stating that Iraola has relied heavily on Ronald Araujo in the right-back position ahead of him.
Former Netherlands star Ruud Gullit suggested last month that Liverpool may be misusing the player altogether: 'The problem with Jeremie Frimpong is that he is a right winger who Liverpool are playing as a right-back and that's not his position. He's a right winger, he's not a right-back.'
Flick's Long-Standing Interest
The report claims Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has long admired Frimpong, having 'requested him in his first year alongside Olmo,' and that sporting director Deco 'isn't losing sight of his situation.' That pre-existing interest could smooth negotiations if Barcelona decide to act in January.
Frimpong is also said to be 'very open to signing with Barça', which hands the Catalan club significant leverage in any deal. Barcelona are simultaneously tracking Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro, with reports suggesting he too features on their shortlist.
For Liverpool, a £35 million sale would represent tidy business on a player who arrived for £29.5 million and has never truly established himself. Under contract at Anfield until 2030, Frimpong's value is protected — but if he is not in Iraola's plans, cashing in to fund other targets makes sense.
What This Means for Liverpool
The January window could bring more upheaval at Anfield. Liverpool's recruitment team have already been active in planning for the future, with defensive reinforcements high on the agenda — including their reported interest in Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet as a long-term Van Dijk successor. A Frimpong sale would free up both wages and squad space for those moves.
Iraola, appointed in the summer of 2026, is clearly reshaping the squad in his own image after taking over from the previous regime. The Basque manager — himself linked with further squad churn — has not been shy about making ruthless calls on personnel.
From Frimpong's perspective, a move to Barcelona would be a career lifeline. At 25, he needs regular football to nail down his place in the Netherlands squad. A switch to La Liga under a coach who has openly admired him could revive a career that has stalled badly in England.
It is important to stress, however, that this remains a report rather than a confirmed development. The claims originate from a single journalist's social media post, and neither Liverpool nor Barcelona have commented. January transfer speculation moves quickly — but a player reportedly unhappy, a manager unconvinced, and a club asking £35 million is usually a recipe for a deal.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Jeremie Frimpong's Liverpool adventure looks increasingly likely to end in January. Barcelona's interest is genuine according to reports, the player is open to the move, and Liverpool are willing to sell at £35m. All that remains is for the Catalan giants to make it official. Would Barcelona be getting a bargain, or is Frimpong's Liverpool flop a warning sign?
