A solid and versatile €10m defender at Bayer Leverkusen is now very close to completing his transfer to the Catalan giants.
With manager Hansi Flick looking to refine his defensive options for the upcoming campaign, the club is prioritizing versatile players who can provide immediate tactical reliability without requiring a massive financial outlay.
While the club remains focused on blockbuster signings elsewhere in the squad, the chance to land a top-tier European champion for a bargain fee has shifted the board’s immediate attention toward Germany.
The superstar talent in question is 30-year-old Spanish international Alejandro Grimaldo.
A former standout of the La Masia academy, Grimaldo has evolved into one of the most productive attacking full-backs in world football since his departure from Catalonia years ago.
According to a report from Diario Sport, the Bayer Leverkusen standout has become available for a cut-price fee because he is entering the final year of his contract.
Leverkusen are reportedly prepared to sanction a sale for just €10 million to avoid losing him for free in 2027, handing Barcelona a golden opportunity to bring their former star back home.
Flick is said to be highly intrigued by the prospect of adding Grimaldo’s elite crossing ability and set-piece specialty to his system.
Despite Alejandro Balde’s immense potential, his form has fluctuated over the past year, and the coaching staff views Grimaldo as the perfect high-level competitor to push the youngster and provide much-needed experience during deep Champions League runs.
The deal is viewed as a “no-brainer” for the sporting director Deco, especially as Barcelona strives to maintain its 1:1 financial spending status.
While Atletico Madrid is also monitoring the situation, Grimaldo’s strong emotional ties to Barcelona and the chance to work under Flick make the Spotify Camp Nou his preferred destination this July.
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