Barcelona’s transfer activity this summer continues to intensify, with new reports suggesting that the Catalan giants have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen full-back Alejandro Grimaldo. The Spaniard, who was previously part of the Barça academy system, has emerged as a top candidate to strengthen the left flank under Hansi Flick’s tactical vision.
Grimaldo had a stellar 2023/24 campaign with Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, playing a crucial role in their historic Bundesliga-winning season. His attacking instincts, exceptional delivery, and defensive improvement have made him one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe. Now, a sensational return to his boyhood club could be on the cards—if Barcelona can clear space in their squad.
Sources close to the club confirm that Barça’s sporting director Deco is keen to finalize a deal for Grimaldo, but several internal obstacles must be resolved first. Chief among them is the need to offload fringe players and reduce the wage bill. Names such as Iñaki Peña, Oriol Romeu, and Andreas Christensen have been identified as potential departures to make way for new signings.
Barcelona’s current financial constraints are no secret. Despite efforts to stabilize the club’s books, strict La Liga salary limits continue to restrict their freedom in the transfer market. Grimaldo’s relatively low release clause, believed to be around €25 million, makes the operation financially feasible—but only if departures are secured swiftly.
The left-back position at Camp Nou has been a source of concern for some time. While Alejandro Balde is seen as the long-term future, the lack of depth and consistent performances in that role has forced Barça to consider reinforcements. Marcos Alonso is expected to leave, and Joao Cancelo’s future remains uncertain following his loan spell.
Grimaldo, now 28, represents both experience and continuity. A La Masia product who left for Benfica in 2016 in search of playing time, his development abroad has turned him into a complete full-back with strong technical and tactical qualities. Bringing him back to the club would not only be a sporting upgrade but a symbolic reunion of unfinished business.
However, the situation surrounding potential outgoings is delicate. Iñaki Peña is drawing interest from several La Liga clubs, and Oriol Romeu is reportedly evaluating offers from abroad. Christensen, while a valued member of the defense, could be sacrificed due to his market value and the emergence of younger centre-backs like Pau Cubarsí.
Grimaldo himself is understood to be open to a return to Spain, and specifically to Barcelona, where he began his journey. However, no official approach has been made yet, as Barça wait to finalize exits before launching any formal negotiations with Leverkusen.
Timing is critical. With preseason in full swing and the new La Liga season just around the corner, Hansi Flick is eager to finalize his squad. Grimaldo’s versatility—he can operate as a wing-back or in a back four—makes him an ideal addition to the German tactician’s system, especially in matches where Barça are expected to dominate possession.
As it stands, the deal hinges on what happens in the coming days. Should Barça succeed in offloading one or more of the targeted players, a move for Grimaldo could accelerate quickly. Until then, the interest remains strong but pending—another example of the chess game that is modern football transfers.
In the grander context, this pursuit reflects Barcelona’s renewed commitment to smart, strategic signings rather than headline-grabbing splurges. Grimaldo, familiar with the club’s identity and now seasoned in top-level European football, may prove to be the kind of calculated addition Barça needs to climb back to the summit.