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Official, Laporta secures the return of the prodigal son to Barça: Now he's a world TOP

The president of Barça has more goals for the summer beyond that of a standout winger.

Barça is preparing for an important transfer market next summer with a clear objective: to strengthen the forward line and the full-backs. With Hansi Flick on the bench, the team has shown that it needs reinforcements in these key positions to compete at the highest level. In the forward line, the lack of alternatives for Lewandowski, Lamine, and Raphinha is evident; and in the full-backs, the lack of depth in the alternatives to Alejandro Balde and Koundé as well.

The priority for the next season is, without a doubt, the arrival of a reliable winger and full-backs that provide greater defensive solidity and competition for the starters. Although Barça has options in the squad like Gerard or Héctor Fort, they don't reach the level of the starters.

Rafa Leão and Nico Williams, the names of the summer

The priority in the summer market will be to incorporate a high-level winger. In this regard, Deco has in mind Nico Williams and Rafa Leão. Both players are young, fast, and with great potential to improve Barça's attack. 

Nico Williams with the Athletic Club shirt
Nico Williams with the Athletic Club jersey | @nicolas_williams9

The arrival of one of these wingers could be the boost that Barça needs to rotate with guarantees. Therefore, the club hopes to finalize this signing in the summer. Their incorporation would allow Flick to have a winger that provides more depth and imbalance, something the team urgently needs.

Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé need competition

If the forward line is a priority, the full-backs are not far behind. Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé have been undisputed starters in their positions, but both lack reliable replacements that can deliver the same level. Although the club has Héctor Fort and Gerard Martín, neither of them has shown to have the same performance as the starters.

Two soccer players compete for the ball on the field while one of them grabs the other's jersey.
Alejandro Balde in the match against Las Palmas | @FCBarcelona

Therefore, Barça is determined to find reinforcements in the market that offer greater depth in the full-back positions. The intention is that these new players can compete for the position with the starters, preventing Balde and Koundé from accumulating so much wear. 

Laporta could bet on the return of a La Masia gem

In this context, one of the names that Laporta likes the most to reinforce the left-back position is Alejandro Grimaldo, a former La Masia player. According to El Nacional.cat, Laporta would be interested in returning for the Spanish full-back. Grimaldo, whose contract with Leverkusen expires in 2027, could be an interesting option depending on the price, which would be around 40 million euros.

The signing of Grimaldo would be an important investment for Barça and is unlikely to happen. However, his quality is beyond doubt and would contribute a lot to the club. Additionally, having been trained at La Masia, the full-back has a special connection with the club, which could facilitate his arrival at Barça.