FC Barcelona has begun shaping its squad for the next season with several strategic points on the roadmap. One of them is the left wing, where the club has several young options, but they are still considering strengthening the position with a more experienced profile in the European elite. While it's true that Alejandro Balde is the undisputed starter, backed by the confidence of the management and Hansi Flick, Barça is looking for a reliable replacement.
In addition to the Spanish international, Flick has wisely used Gerard Martín on several occasions during the season. He is even closely following the evolution of Álex Valle, one of La Masia's great promises and on loan at Como. But despite this range, the sports management believes there is still room to add talent, maturity, and leadership in that area of the field.
The Desired Return
In this context, the name that has gained strength in recent days for Deco and company is Alejandro Grimaldo. The Bayer Leverkusen left-back is having a sensational campaign under Xabi Alonso's orders and has sparked the interest of several European giants, including FC Barcelona. According to German media, the club has already contacted his entourage to explore his possible return.
Grimaldo, who left Barça in 2016 for just two million euros, has grown significantly abroad. At 29 years old, he is experiencing the best moment of his career and would be delighted to return home. His contract with Leverkusen extends until 2027, and his price would be around 40 million.
A Market Opportunity
While it's true that this figure doesn't quite fit with the club's economic situation, Deco considers it justifiable due to his quality and experience. The great dilemma at Camp Nou revolves around the real need for this signing. Balde remains the future bet, and the youth academy offers viable alternatives, so it's not an urgency, but it is an opportunity that may not be repeated.
Additionally, the player's desire is to wear the Barça jersey again. The sports management believes that Grimaldo's experience could be key in high-level matches, and that his knowledge of the club would facilitate a quick adaptation. The operation, therefore, is on the table, although it won't be easy to execute.