Bayer Leverkusen’s left-back Alejandro Grimaldo has made it clear that he harbors aspirations of playing for Barcelona, a club where he spent a significant part of his formative years. Having earned his footballing stripes at Barca Atletic before making a move to Benfica, and eventually landing in the Bundesliga, Grimaldo has had an illustrious career overseas. However, the allure of playing for La Liga and, more specifically, at Camp Nou, remains an enticing prospect.
Grimaldo, now 29, is under contract until 2027, marking it potentially the final significant contract of his professional footballing career. Leverkusen, on the other hand, is expected to broach the topic of a contract renewal sooner than later. If an agreement is not reached for an extension, the club may look at cashing in on the player.
In a candid interview with El Periodico, an article later shared by Sport, Grimaldo didn’t shy away from expressing his desire to play in Spain. “Indeed, it’s a goal I have. I have it very clear in my mind, even the club knows it. I want to return to Spain in the short and medium term… it’s my country, it’s where I want to play and enjoy this experience,” he revealed.
The current speculation around Dr. Manel Wong, who is believed to be the frontrunner to bolster the first team’s medical staff in the wake of Dr. Miñarro’s demise, has added another dimension to this developing story.
While Grimaldo’s future remains uncertain, another subplot that continues to unravel is that of his manager, Xabi Alonso, who is rumoured to return to his homeland and potentially Real Madrid. Grimaldo remained tight-lipped about this, stating, “Football has many twists and turns, and you never know what can happen.”
What’s certain, however, is Grimaldo’s fondness for Barcelona, where he spent seven to eight years in the club’s famed La Masía youth academy. “I grew up at Barca… you always carry that with you,” he fondly recalls. As the situation develops, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching to see if Grimaldo’s dream of playing for Barcelona will turn into a reality.
