Barcelona's summer planning is already underway, and the sporting management didn't want to wait any longer. With Flick in charge and Deco in the offices, the club is clear that they need to strengthen key positions if they want to compete at the highest level next season. Among the set priorities, one stands out clearly: the left back.
Alejandro Balde, despite his potential and institutional backing, has left some doubts in critical moments. His youth and the lack of real competition have made him an undisputed starter, a situation the coaching staff wants to reverse as soon as possible.
Balde with Barça | @FCBarcelona
A shortcoming that shows in big matches
Since Jordi Alba's departure, Barça hasn't found a reliable replacement to bring solidity to that flank. Balde has replied well at times, but the demands of the schedule and the level of the opponents require more depth and experience in that area.
Hansi Flick has clearly communicated this need to the sporting leadership. The directive is clear: the left back needs an immediate reinforcement, not only to raise the team's competitiveness, but also so Balde can keep growing under pressure.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
Amid market analysis, one name has emerged strongly and with consensus: Alejandro Grimaldo. The fullback, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, has been one of the standout pieces of the German side that just completed a historic season under Xabi Alonso's leadership.
At 29 years old, Grimaldo brings together all the qualities Barça is looking for. Raised at La Masia, he knows the club, the style, and the demands of the environment. In addition, he has shown steady growth in Europe, consolidating himself as one of the most complete fullbacks on the continent.
Grimaldo | @grimaldo35
Deco's strategic move
Deco has already made the first contacts to gauge his contractual situation and Leverkusen's room for maneuver. The German club values him at €40 million, a significant figure but manageable if Barça manages to close some sales before the official start of the market.
The player's camp, meanwhile, views the possibility of returning to Camp Nou favorably. Grimaldo understands that he's facing a unique opportunity to close the circle. Returning to the club that developed him, now as an established footballer and with the maturity needed to perform from day one.
One of the great advantages of the signing is his versatility. Grimaldo has played confidently both in a back four and as a wingback, something that excites Flick, who's looking to introduce more tactical variations in his Barça. The possibility of alternating systems without losing defensive solidity is a top-level that now seems within reach.
Offensively, his ability to push forward, combine inside, and deliver accurate crosses makes him ideal for a team seeking width and constant link-up play. His arrival could revolutionize the left flank for the Catalans.
A signing with sporting and symbolic impact
Grimaldo isn't just a sporting bet. His return would also be a statement of intent: Barça brings back one of its prodigal sons at the best moment of his career. That gesture, full of symbolism, would help strengthen the bond between the fans and a squad increasingly connected with the club's DNA.
In short, Barça has already taken its first serious step in the transfer market. With €40 million ready and an ideal profile in sight, the operation for Grimaldo is close to becoming the first great joy of the summer for the blaugrana fans.
