Man Utd + Liverpool transfer target wanted by Barcelona as crafty Catalan move could have Celtic implications

Jeremie Frimpong continues to attract interest this summer as Barcelona plot a way to make a move happen.

The star is of interest to Celtic, having featured for the club between 2019 and 2021 under Neil Lennon. Where Hoops intrigue comes is in the form of a sell-on clause inserted into the £11.5m deal that took him to Bayer Leverkusen over three years ago.

Frimpong has starred for Xabi Alonso’s side, but there is said to be a €40m release clause in his deal. Manchester United are claimed to be a suitor and Liverpool are also reported to be one of a number of clubs on the case of the right-back.

30% of the profit will be recouped by Celtic if a deal goes through. Barcelona are said to be interested but currently, they are focusing time on ensuring that the 2023-24 financial year ends with a surplus that will permit them to return to La Liga’s 1:1 rule, which means signing players unrestricted.

Once this objective is met, they can begin making moves for the likes of Frimpong from July 1st, and SPORT claim it’s a strategy the Catalans will be using to get the Dutch international. It’s suggested that Barca are going to offer €30 million fixed and another €5 million in variables.

They believe Leverkusen - who are current Bundesliga champions - will be open to negotiations with Ansu Fati possibly being made part of the deal. A transfer going through this summer would then unlock a cash injection for the Hoops.