Barcelona Not Convinced By Former La Masia Defender Even On Free Transfer
Alejandro Grimaldo is one of the former La Masia talents, who has always been linked with a return to Camp Nou, after earning his professional breakthrough at SL Benfica.
For a long time, he was under the radar of the Catalan outfit, especially as Jordi Alba entered the final phase of his respective career. The coming summer, in particular, could pose an ideal opportunity for Barça to complete the signing, as Grimaldo is set to become a free agent.
The left-back contract at Benfica expires at the end of the season. Everything suggests he will leave the club after seven and a half years, which should put a host of clubs on red alert.
However, as reported by Diario SPORT, Barcelona have ruled out the signing of Grimaldo this coming summer. The coaching staff is not convinced by the fullback’s development and would prefer other alternatives.
During his long spell at Benfica, Grimaldo has featured in a total of 300 competitive matches. But despite his experience, coupled with his technical prowess, the Barcelona coaches are simply not convinced by the 27-year-old.
The report suggests Barcelona have no intention of signing Grimaldo, even though the player will be available as a free agent. They will, instead, put their faith in Alejandro Balde, who has become a first-team regular and could soon earn a new contract.
The report adds that Barcelona will continue to have Marcos Alonso as the second-choice left-back, which indicates Jordi Alba could potentially leave the club.
The Catalan giants owe Alba a fee of around €38 million for next season due to past deferred payments. A sale, therefore, appears to be the most logical solution, as it can help them save a chunk of the salary mass, which in turn, could allow Barça to secure the return of Lionel Messi.
