FC Barcelona, after a challenging season out of the Copa del Rey and Champions League, and nine points behind Real Madrid in LaLiga, is planning for the summer with an eye on strengthening its squad. In this context, Álex Grimaldo has re-emerged as a priority target for the left-back position at the Catalan club.

Alejandro Balde's prominence in Hansi Flick's team has diminished, and a potential sale of the young full-back will be explored by Barcelona. If this departure is confirmed, Grimaldo is among the leading options, with an estimated fee of around 12 million euros, according to reports from Sport.

Álex Grimaldo, a Spain international, came through Valencia's academy before joining Barça at 13. He later moved to Benfica and currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, where he arrived on a free transfer. His profile as an attacking full-back makes him very attractive for Barcelona's system.

This Bundesliga season, the 30-year-old player has showcased his quality with eight goals and seven assists, establishing himself as a key player for Leverkusen. Several European clubs are closely tracking the Valencian due to his excellent performance.

Grimaldo's return to Barcelona was close last summer, but Gerard Martín's refusal to join Wolves halted the move. Since then, Martín has become important in the team, performing both as a left-back and an improvised centre-back.

In addition to Barcelona, clubs like Atletico Madrid, Milan, and Juventus will also pursue Grimaldo's services. It remains to be seen whether the player will use the 2026 World Cup as a springboard for his future or strike a prior agreement with one of the interested parties.

Barcelona's management, aware of the need to revitalize the team and avoid another barren season, sees Álex Grimaldo as an experienced option with a past at the club to strengthen a key defensive position.