FC Barcelona has already activated its machinery to strengthen the squad for the summer market. One of the most sensitive positions is the left-back, where Alejandro Balde has been an undisputed starter, but without real competition.
The technical management, led by Deco and with the endorsement of Hansi Flick, considers it essential to incorporate a proven player. The goal: to raise the competitive level of the squad and offer more guarantees in the decisive moments of the season.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
Flick doesn't want to repeat past mistakes
Since his arrival, Flick has detected the lack of rotation as one of the team's major structural problems. On that side, the absence of a natural substitute for Balde has caused accumulated fatigue and loss of performance.
The German coach wants two players per position who can compete for minutes, raise the daily level and cover for injuries. At left-back, the need is immediate and evident.
Balde with Barça | @FCBarcelona
After months of analysis and internal meetings, Barça has identified the perfect profile. It is a player with European experience, offensive range and ability to adapt to different schemes.
Moreover, he doesn't need an adaptation period. He knows the club, the environment, and the demands of Barça's style. His current level positions him as one of the best in his position.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
The price and context make the operation viable
His current club values him at around 40 million euros. A high figure, but manageable if Barça completes some planned sales. The sports management has already initiated contacts to negotiate more favorable conditions or payment formulas.
Deco considers it a strategic opportunity: it strengthens a weak area and recovers a player trained at La Masia. Additionally, the player himself has shown total willingness to return to Camp Nou.
Balde and Lamine Yamal | @FCBarcelona
The new Barça wants to be more flexible. Flick seeks systems that can change during matches and demands players with tactical versatility. The left-back in question has played both in a back four and a back five.
His ability to push forward, assist with precision, and create superiorities makes him a valuable offensive resource. Added to this is his defensive reliability and his ability to interpret different moments of the game.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
A key piece in Leverkusen's European success
His season has been spectacular. An undisputed starter at Bayer Leverkusen, he has been an essential piece in the Bundesliga title. He also excelled in the Europa League, where his team reached the final with authority.
He has shown character, leadership, and an outstanding physical and technical level. The club believes that his performance has been even superior to Alphonso Davies's, one of the most sought-after full-backs in the world.
Besides the sporting reinforcement, his arrival carries an underlying message: Barça still believes in its youth academy. This footballer left in search of minutes when he didn't have a place in the first team. Today, he returns as a mature and consolidated player.
His return would be a sign of recognition to those who have grown outside. Also an injection of experience for a locker room that needs balance between youth and leadership.
Barça's first signing for the summer
The former youth player, now a star at Bayer Leverkusen, will return to Camp Nou if there are no setbacks in the operation. Grimaldo arrives to compete with Balde, bring experience, and provide a qualitative leap to the left-back position.
Barça has already started the negotiations,Flick has requested him. Deco sees him as a priority. Grimaldo is ready to return home... at his best moment.
