Alejandro Grimaldo is back in the rumor mill as his time in the Bundesliga potentially winding down. With his contract at Bayer Leverkusen set to expire next year, the former La Masia standout is once again being linked with a potential return to Barcelona.
The left-back has spent three successful seasons in Germany, but the situation regarding his next move is currently a maze of conflicting reports. According to Sky Sport Switzerland, Besiktas has already made a significant move. Their sporting
director, Eduard Graf, reportedly met with Grimaldo to lay out a project that would see the 30-year-old take on a leading role in Istanbul. While some outlets suggested a personal agreement was reached during that meeting, other sources are much more cautious. AS reports that during the dinner, Grimaldo “did not give a positive or negative answer” because “he prefers to wait to decide his future.”
Barcelona seem to be linked with their former player every year now. But any official bid likely depends on whether Alejandro Balde or João Cancelo move on. Financing the deal might also be a sticking point, once again, depending on who you ask. While some figures suggest Leverkusen might accept a fee as low as 10 to 12 million euros to avoid losing him for free next year, AS indicates the Germans are holding out for closer to 20 million euros.
The Turkish side seems intent on a raid of the Leverkusen locker room regardless, as they are also targeting center back Edmond Tapsoba. But Grimaldo has never hidden his desire to return to Spain. Now 30-years-old, Grimaldo could be facing his last opportunity to make that homecoming a reality.
Transfer expert Matteo Moretto recently played down rumors that Grimaldo had agreed terms with Besiktas or AC Milan (another rumored suitor), and noted that the defender’s priority remains a move back to La Liga. All this keeps the door open for Barça – but they’re not the only Spanish club watching. Atlético Madrid has been linked previously, and with Matteo Ruggeri being their only natural left-back, they could easily jump back into the race.
