Barcelona in ‘ongoing talks’ over academy graduate’s return | OneFootball

The brass at La Liga giants Barcelona have set their sights on the signature of Bayer Leverkusen star Alejandro ‘Álex’ Grimaldo.

That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who have on Tuesday provided an insight into the situation.

Left-back Grimaldo for his part spent the early years of his career developing on the books of Barcelona, spending seven years in Catalunya’s capital between 2008 and 2015.

Following a stellar stint on the books of Benfica in Portugal, the 29-year-old made the move to the Bundesliga in 2023.

And Grimaldo has spent the time since establishing himself as one of world football’s standout wing-backs.

Across 45 appearances in all competitions this season to date, the Spanish international has racked up four goals and an impressive 12 assists.

This adds to a haul of 12 goals and a whopping 20 assists en route to Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title last season.

And such prolonged excellence on Grimaldo’s part, it would appear, has not gone at all unnoticed on the part of one of his former clubs.

As per a report from Sky Germany:

‘Barcelona sporting director Deco, in particular, is keen to lure the left-back to Catalonia. Talks about a possible comeback are ongoing in the background.’

Amid an ongoing search for reinforcements at full-back, Barca, it is claimed, have identified Grimaldo as a leading option.

The Spaniard would be expected to set the Blaugrana back a sum in the region of €30 – 40 million, with Grimaldo himself keen on the move.

Conor Laird – GSFN