Bundesliga star keen on rejoining Barcelona eight years after leaving the Spanish heavyweights: Reports
Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo is eager to rejoin Barcelona, according to El Nacional. The Spaniard rose through the ranks at Camp Nou and was highly regarded as a youth player.
However, he failed to break into the senior team and left in 2016 to join Benfica. Grimaldo transformed into one of the best left-backs in the world at Lisbon, before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2023.
Last season, the 29-year-old was outstanding for the German side, helping them win the Bundesliga as well as the DFB Pokal. Grimaldo registered 12 goals and 20 assists from 51 games across competitions.
This season, the player has already scored twice and set up four more from 16 games across competitions. However, he has announced that he wants to return to Barcelona.
A move back to Camp Nou is unlikely. The Catalans have an established left-back in their team in Alejandro Balde, who has been a first-team regular under Hansi Flick.
The LaLiga giants also have Gerard Martin in their ranks and don't need a left-back at the moment. Barcelona are expected to invest in other areas of the pitch in 2025.
Moreover, Grimaldo's contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs until 2027 and he is likely to cost a fat fee. The Catalans are already under financial distress and the Spaniard's price tag may be beyond them.
How many goals have Barcelona scored this season?
Barcelona have scored 55 goals in 16 games this season, shattering a record that stood for 74 years. In doing so, the Catalans have now registered the best goalscoring start to a season in their history.
In the 1950/51 season, with Ferdinand Daucik in charge, the Spanish giants started the campaign with 54 goals from 16 games. Hansi Flick's team have been outstanding this season and are powered by an inspired Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker has rolled back the years at Camp Nou under the German manager, rekindling a partnership that worked magic at Bayern Munich as well. Lewandowski now has 19 goals and two assists from 16 games.
Meanwhile, Raphinha was heavily linked with an exit this summer but opted to stay and fight for his place under Flick. The German manager switched him to the right flank and he has been indispensable for Barcelona since. The 27-year-old has 12 goals and 10 assists from 16 games so far.