Barcelona are reportedly interested in re-signing Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo this summer.
Grimaldo spent time in the Barcelona youth system before he left in 2016 without making a single appearance for the senior side.
After spending over seven years with Benfica, Grimaldo went on to sign for Leverkusen on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.
The 29-year-old quickly established himself as a key part of Xabi Alonso's side, helping the club enjoy a historic 2023-24 season by lifting the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal.
Grimaldo has continued to enjoy regular game time this season, contributing four goals and 12 assists in 45 competitive appearances.
Barcelona plotting Grimaldo swoop
The Spain international still has two years left to run on his Bayern deal, but there is a possibility that he could be given the opportunity to leave the German club this summer.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona are preparing a potential move to re-sign Grimaldo ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The report claims that Barcelona are willing to table a €25m (£21.3m) bid to prise Grimaldo away from the BayArena.
Leverkusen could entertain a sale at that price, although they are reluctant to part ways with one of the key members of Alonso's squad.
Do Barcelona need Grimaldo?
From the player's perspective, Grimaldo is believed to be open to the prospect of returning to the club that he left nine years ago.
Barcelona could be in the market for a new left-back due to concerns about the lack of depth behind their first-choice option Alejandro Balde.
However, Grimaldo would surely be concerned about sacrificing regular game time at Leverkusen to become a backup option at Barcelona.
Grimaldo has also been used to playing as a wing-back in Alonso's preferred 3-4-2-1 system, where he would have to play on the left side of a back four if he were to join Barcelona.
With that said, his attacking approach could make him a suitable candidate to thrive in Hansi Flick's front-foot brand of football. body check tags ::
