Barcelona are keeping a close watch on Bayer Leverkusen defender Alejandro Grimaldo, with the Spanish international reportedly considering a return to LaLiga in the near future. While no official talks have begun, sources around the player suggest that a move back to Spain is becoming increasingly likely potentially opening the door for a reunion with the Catalan giants.
The 29 year old full back, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Leverkusen from Benfica in 2023, remains one of Europe’s most productive defenders, combining elite ball progression with scoring threat from wide areas. His performances helped Xabi Alonso’s side secure historic Bundesliga and DFB Pokal triumphs, elevating his profile across Europe.
Grimaldo Wants Spain Return But Not Via Bayern
Journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Grimaldo’s priority, should he leave Germany, is a move back to Spain rather than a transfer to another European powerhouse. While Bayern Munich are monitoring him closely, Leverkusen are reluctant to strengthen a direct domestic rival after losing key figures to Bayern in recent seasons.
“Bayern are following him, but Leverkusen would not like one of their best players going there,” Moretto said.
This stance increases the likelihood of a La Liga move, especially given Grimaldo’s personal preference to return home after nearly a decade abroad. That dynamic could indirectly favour Barcelona, even though no official negotiations are underway.
How Serious Is Barcelona’s Interest?
Sources say Barcelona “are monitoring his situation a bit, without concrete moves for now.” The club’s sporting department believes the full-back position is not an immediate priority, largely due to strategic planning focused on reinforcing other areas of the squad.
Current priority targets include:
A left-footed centre back
A central striker
A long-term solution on the left wing with Marcus Rashford among the names internally discussed.
Still, the door remains open should Grimaldo take the initiative. Moretto suggests that if the player expresses a direct desire to return to Spain, Barcelona would not stand in the way of a deal, particularly given their historical relationship with the defender.
“If Grimaldo one day knocks on the door and says he wants to return to Spain, the parties will not make that transfer complicated.”
A Possible Homecoming Story
Grimaldo spent his formative years at La Masia, joining Barcelona’s academy in 2011 and becoming the youngest player to debut for Barcelona B. Despite his rapid rise, he failed to break into the first team and eventually left for Benfica in 2016 where he blossomed into one of Europe’s most dynamic full-backs.
A return to Camp Nou would not only fill a tactical need, but also complete a narrative arc that many fans still believe ended prematurely.
What Happens Next?
As of now:
There are no official talks.
Barcelona are watching with interest.
Grimaldo wants Spain if he leaves.
Leverkusen prefer avoiding Bayern.
All eyes will now be on whether Grimaldo formally signals his intent to leave Germany and whether Barça accelerate their plans depending on market dynamics and financial flexibility.
