Barcelona Eyeing Grimaldo Homecoming as Bayern Circle Leverkusen Star
Barcelona monitoring Alejandro Grimaldo's situation at Bayer Leverkusen with the Spanish left-back reportedly keen on a La Liga return despite Bayern Munich interest.
Barcelona Eyeing Grimaldo Homecoming as Bayern Circle Leverkusen Star
The Catalan giants are keeping tabs on former La Masia product Alejandro Grimaldo, who’s apparently got his heart set on a Spanish return despite Bayern Munich’s advances.
Grimaldo’s Spanish Dreams
According to transfer specialist Matteo Moretto, Barcelona are “monitoring” Alejandro Grimaldo’s situation at Bayer Leverkusen, with the Spanish left-back potentially available for a return to his homeland.
The 29-year-old defender, who’s been absolutely mustard for Leverkusen since joining from Benfica, has emerged as a potential target for the Blaugrana as they consider their options beyond Alejandro Balde.
While Bayern Munich are reportedly making concrete moves to secure Grimaldo’s signature, the player himself would “prioritize returning to Spain” when decision time comes - music to Barça’s ears.
Leverkusen Open to Spanish Move
What makes this potential move even more interesting is Leverkusen’s stance. According to Moretto:
- Leverkusen would prefer not to strengthen direct Bundesliga rivals Bayern
- The relationship between Grimaldo and Leverkusen remains excellent
- The German club wouldn’t complicate a transfer if Grimaldo expresses desire to return to Spain
This creates a perfect storm for Barcelona, who are keeping their options open while monitoring Balde’s development at left-back.
Other Transfer Tidbits
Moretto also provided updates on several other intriguing transfer situations:
- Real Madrid are in talks to extend Antonio Rüdiger’s contract despite interest from Saudi clubs
- Rayo Vallecano midfielder Unai López is on the radar of three La Liga clubs: Girona, Sevilla and Mallorca
- Ademola Lookman is “100 percent” leaving Atalanta by summer following a fallout with manager Gasperini
For Barcelona, though, the Grimaldo situation represents an opportunity to bring back a player who left La Masia for Benfica in 2015 and has since developed into one of Europe’s most consistent attacking full-backs.
Whether they’ll make the move or stick with their current options remains to be seen, but it’s clear Grimaldo would welcome a chance to return to Spanish football after his stellar stint in Germany.