Signing a top-quality right-back has emerged as one of the main objectives for FC Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window.
The plan is to bring in someone who can push Jules Kounde and compete for the starting spot, with Hansi Flick still not fully won over by youngster Hector Fort.
Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong, to that end, has emerged as the main target with the coaching staff and the sporting department in agreement over the Dutchman.
However, there is significant competition for the 24-year-old with Liverpool and Aston Villa also pushing hard for his signing.
Barcelona eye three Frimpong alternatives
As such, SPORT reports that having been hopeful about signing Frimpong a few weeks ago, Barcelona are now losing optimism in their pursuit of the Dutchman.
As such, the Catalan giants have already identified three alternative options for the right-back position in the form of Vanderson (AS Monaco), Dodo (Fiorentina), and Marc Pubill (UD Almeria).
They are all seen as players who are likely to cost a lower amount in transfer fees while Barça believe they will have enough time to negotiate as well, unlike Frimpong for whom Liverpool are making a strong push to sign immediately.
Vanderson is a player who has been long-linked with Barcelona, with sporting director Deco understood to be an admirer of the Brazilian.
However, with his contract at Monaco running until the summer of 2028, the transfer fee that the Ligue 1 bigwigs demand could become an issue.
Meanwhile, Vanderson’s fellow Brazilian Dodo has also been on the club’s radars for some time now. He could be a much more affordable option with Fiorentina expected to sell him for around €25 million.
As for Pubill, Barça already tried to sign the young Spaniard last summer but the club’s Fair Play situation blocked the move. The Almeria starlet remains on the agenda and would be open to making the switch to Catalonia.
It remains to be seen which way Barcelona decide to go, but as things stand, a move for Frimpong appears extremely unlikely.
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