Alejandro Grimaldo is enjoying the best moment of his career at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has become a key player under Kasper Hjulmand. The left-back, formed at FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has started the season in spectacular fashion with four goals and two assists in just eight matches. His consistency has made him one of the most reliable full-backs in Europe.
Grimaldo Admits: Barça Move Was on the Table
In an interview with El Larguero on Cadena SER, the Spanish international confirmed that his name resurfaced in the plans of several LaLiga giants this past summer. Among them, FC Barcelona.
“There might have been the possibility of going to Barça, but it didn’t happen. If things don’t go through, it’s because they weren’t meant to happen,” confessed Grimaldo.
The left-back also revealed that Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid were briefly linked to him, although neither deal materialized. Madrid opted for Álvaro Carreras, while Atlético never made a firm proposal.
Praise for Lamine Yamal and Pedri
Beyond transfer rumors, Grimaldo had words of admiration for two Barcelona jewels and his Spain teammates.
- On Lamine Yamal: “He’s a crazy talent, not just because he’s my teammate.”
- On Pedri: “For me, he’s the best player in the world. Pedri is incredible, and I was surprised he finished so low in the Ballon d’Or ranking.”
The Lamine Yamal Injury Debate
The defender also addressed the controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal’s injury with Spain, which caused frustration at Barça. Despite carrying pubalgia, the youngster played two international matches (79 and 73 minutes), raising questions about the management of his fitness.
Grimaldo was pragmatic:
“No one forces you to play. If you’re not well, you go back to your club. If you stay, it’s because you can play, and the coach counts on you.”
He acknowledged the ongoing tension between clubs and federations:
“When a player gets injured, there are always problems. The national team wants the best players, and Barça also needs them. It’s something that happens all the time.”
Focused on Leverkusen, but Barça Never Too Far
While the door to Camp Nou didn’t open this summer, Grimaldo continues to impress at Leverkusen. He has become a leader in the Bundesliga champions’ dressing room, with the team aiming to translate its domestic dominance into European success, despite a shaky Champions League start with draws against Copenhagen and PSV.
For Barcelona fans, the thought of a La Masia product like Grimaldo returning someday still lingers. His words make it clear: the possibility was real, even if fate said otherwise.
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