After ending the previous season without any silverware, FC Barcelona have made an impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign. The Catalan giants are already nine points clear at the top of La Liga and are on track to secure direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
But it’s not just their standing in these two competitions that signals Barcelona as serious contenders for major titles this season. The team has been in outstanding form, delivering dominant wins against some of Europe’s top clubs.
This resurgence has renewed the allure of playing for Barcelona, attracting the attention of some of Europe’s top players. One such player reportedly eager to return to the Blaugrana fold is Alejandro Grimaldo, according to Fichajes. The Bayer Leverkusen full-back, who left Barcelona years ago, is said to be interested in a move back to the club.
Grimaldo initially left Barcelona for Benfica after excelling with Barcelona Atlètic, where he captained the side. Although he never featured for the senior team at Barcelona, his move to Benfica proved to be a pivotal step in his career. The Spaniard developed significantly during his time in Portugal, before joining Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed a highly successful season, winning the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal, and coming close to a Europa League title, losing to Atalanta in the final.
Now, like some of his Leverkusen teammates, such as Jonathan Tah, Grimaldo is seeking a move to another major European club. However, despite his interest, Barcelona is unlikely to pursue him. With Alejandro Balde firmly established as their starting left-back, the Catalans are not looking for another player who could disrupt the Spaniard’s development.
