Transfer Talk: Barcelona linked with Leverkusen's Frimpong
The summer transfer window is open for the Premier League and is set to open across Europe soon, and there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barca eye Leverkusen’s Frimpong
Barcelona have made Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong their number-one priority for this summer, reports Catalunya Radio.
Manager Hansi Flick is reported to have informed the club’s hierarchy of his desire to sign the 23-year-old, who was one of the best performers in the Bundesliga last season, and a deal could be possible if they decide to activate his release clause of €40 million.
The Blaugrana are reported to be actively looking to sign a right-back as on-loan João Cancelo prepares to return to Manchester City, and with the Premier League club only looking to move him on permanently, it looks as though Barca are set to turn their attention to Frimpong.
Frimpong scored 14 goals while assisting another seven in 46 matches across all competitions last season.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Fabrizio Romano reports that multiple clubs are keeping close tabs on versatile Feyenoord right-back Lutsharel Geertruida. The 23-year-old was one of the standout players for the Eredivisie side last season, and it is reported that Paris Saint-Germain are one of the clubs at the front of the queue for his signature. However, they could face competition from sides in the Premier League who are keeping tabs on his situation.
– A race between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona could take place for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, reports Mundo Deportivo. Atleti are reported to be long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and are considering stepping up their interest as they continue to find players for the middle of the pitch. They are said to have already contacted his representatives, though a deal could be difficult, with an offer worth €50m likely to be required.
– Liverpool could be open to letting winger Luis Díaz leave this summer, reports Football Insider. The Reds are said to be open to accepting an offer worth £50m for the 27-year-old’s transfer, but only if they can first source a suitable replacement. Díaz, who is set to take part in the Copa América with Colombia, made 51 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool last season.
– St. Louis City SC are set to sign St. Pauli midfielder Marcel Hartel, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. Manager Lutz Pfannenstiel is reported to have been pushing for a move to sign the 28-year-old to MLS, and it is said that Hartel is now preparing to sign a four-year contract through 2028 on Friday.
– Hull City winger Jadon Philogene is attracting interest from two clubs in the Premier League, reports Team Talk. West Ham United are said to be one of the teams plotting a move for the 22-year-old England youth international, while Southampton have also identified him as a potential reinforcement. Philogene enjoyed a bright campaign in the EFL Championship last season, during which he scored 12 goals while assisting another six in 32 appearances.
