Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Charles Aránguiz considers a potential transfer to Spain - Bayer player Grimaldo mulls potential transfer to Spain
Cologne City News reports that Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo has expressed a desire to play football in Spain, with FC Barcelona emerging as a potential destination.
Grimaldo, who is currently 29 years old, came to Leverkusen from Benfica Lisbon two years ago and has been a key player for the Werkself since then. In his first season at the club, he helped Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal and the championship.
The Spanish defender has been a straightforward player and a person who likes to bring their personality to the table, according to his own statements. He has also emphasized that as long as he plays for Leverkusen, he will give his all for the team.
However, Grimaldo's potential transfer to Spain could further accelerate the turnover at Bayer Leverkusen, as several key players have already left the team. Bayer Leverkusen has already lost Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong (both to FC Liverpool), Jonathan Tah (to Bayern Munich), and Granit Xhaka (to AFC Sunderland).
If Grimaldo does transfer to FC Barcelona, it is likely to be dependent on some departures in Barcelona's squad, such as Iñaki Peña and Oriol Romeu. The transfer window and ongoing negotiations suggest that this move is a possibility for the summer of 2025.
For Bayer Leverkusen, Grimaldo is a critical player in their current tactical setup under new head coach Erik ten Hag, who has adopted a back-three system originally favored by Xabi Alonso. Grimaldo thrives in this system as a wing-back with attacking freedom balanced by defensive support. His potential departure would force Leverkusen to reassess their squad structure, especially as the team has already lost three key players during the summer transfer window. Maintaining stability and tactical flexibility—between a back three and back four—is a priority for sporting director Simon Rolfes and ten Hag.
If Grimaldo transfers, Bayer Leverkusen would likely seek a top-level replacement to maintain their tactical system's effectiveness.
This situation remains fluid, and developments may emerge before the end of the transfer window.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Potential Clubs | FC Barcelona | | Transfer Timeline | Summer 2025 window, negotiations ongoing as of late July; dependent on Barcelona squad departures | | Impact on Leverkusen | Could disrupt the wing-back role critical to their back-three system; Leverkusen already adjusting squad after key exits; squad depth and tactical flexibility challenged |
Grimaldo's expressed desire to play football in Spain could lead to a potential move to FC Barcelona, as reported by Cologne City News. In light of this possibility, Bayer Leverkusen may need to reassess their squad structure, especially considering the departure of key players like Grimaldo might challenge their tactical flexibility, as the team has already adjusted due to various transfers.
