Barcelona are interested in reuniting with former academy talent Alejandro Grimaldo, a report has claimed.
Grimaldo was rated highly when he came through the ranks in La Masia but departed for Benfica in 2016 without having made a senior appearance for the club. The left-back dazzled in Portugal and then took his talents to Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer in 2023, immediately playing a key role in the team’s Bundesliga triumph last season.
As he approaches 100 games for the German outfit, Grimaldo has racked up a ludicrous 16 goals and 32 assists from left-back, and Sky Sports Germany state that form has caught Barcelona’s eye.
Led by sporting director Deco, Barcelona are reported to be chasing a reunion with Grimaldo and have held talks over a possible summer return to Catalonia.
Grimaldo has never shied away from his desire to play for Barcelona, admitting as recently as March that he still dreams of turning out at Camp Nou, and he is even believed to have an agreement with Leverkusen officials to facilitate that ambition if an acceptable offer arrives.
Taking things one step further, Grimaldo has reportedly informed Leverkusen of his desire to leave the club this summer. With two years left on his contract as he approaches his 30th birthday, Leverkusen recognise this summer is the last chance they will have to demand a significant fee to sell Grimaldo.
The Spain international is expected to cost anywhere between €30m-€40m (£25.6m-£34.1m).
A lack of left-back depth has been a problem for Barcelona in recent weeks after Alejandro Balde went down with an injury. Gerard Martin has shared deputy duties with 18-year-old right-back Hector Fort, neither of whom are seen as long-term solutions for the role.
Barcelona are keen to invest in the squad this summer but face the added complication of trying to appease La Liga’s financial regulations.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Barcelona’s registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor recently saw La Liga reduce the club’s salary cap amid accusations Barcelona did not have the funds required to re-register the pair in January. A resolution will need to be found before any transfer business can be conducted.
