Barcelona’s Draw with Inter Sparks Urgent Left-Back Search After Gerard Martin Struggles
Barcelona’s 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final wasn’t just an intense encounter—it also exposed a glaring weakness in the team’s depth, prompting immediate action from the club’s hierarchy.
According to El Nacional, young left-back Gerard Martin, stepping in for the injured Alejandro Balde, failed to rise to the occasion. His underwhelming performance led coach Hansi Flick to replace him at halftime—a move seen internally as a strong signal of dissatisfaction.
Insiders suggest Flick won’t risk starting Martin again in the return leg at San Siro. If Balde remains unavailable, veteran Inigo Martinez is expected to fill the role instead.
In light of this, Barcelona’s leadership, including President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, have agreed on a pressing need: securing an experienced left-back during the summer transfer window. They view the lack of reliable cover for Balde as a critical flaw that must be addressed before the next campaign.
One standout candidate is Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo, who has been instrumental in his club’s Bundesliga triumph under Xabi Alonso. A former La Masia product, Grimaldo offers both experience and tactical versatility, making him an attractive and cost-effective target.
Barcelona see Grimaldo as a smart solution who could seamlessly fit into Flick’s system—either in a traditional back four or a more attack-minded setup with overlapping full-backs.
