Barcelona consider Álex Grimaldo with Alejandro Balde’s future uncertain | OneFootball

Barcelona, out of the Copa del Rey and Champions League, remain nine points behind Real Madrid, who still have to visit Camp Nou to face Flick's side and must give everything in LaLiga to avoid another barren season. With summer planning under way, Álex Grimaldo has re-emerged as a target.

Alejandro Balde has lost prominence and a sale will be explored, which could open the door. If that departure is confirmed, Grimaldo is among the leading options, with a fee around 12 million, Sport reports.

The Spain international left-back came through Valencia's academy, joined Barça at 13, moved to Benfica, then signed for Leverkusen on a free. He is a forward-minded full-back, and in the Bundesliga this season he has eight goals and seven assists. Several clubs are tracking the 30-year-old Valencian.

He was close to returning last summer, but Gerard Martín's refusal to join Wolves halted the move. Martín has since become important, performing at left-back and as an improvised centre-back.

Atletico Madrid, Milan and Juventus will go for him again. Whether he uses the 2026 World Cup as a springboard or strikes a prior agreement remains to be seen.

Source: Superdeporte