Barcelona consider re-signing former La Masia star to address key position | OneFootball

While the focus currently seems to be strengthening the attacking unit, Barcelona have a few other areas in the squad that need to be bolstered over the upcoming couple of transfer windows.

The right-back position will need to be looked at next summer as Sergi Roberto will be out of contract while Dani Alves’ short-term deal would also run out. At the same time, Barca must also start focusing on putting a succession plan in place for premier left-back Jordi Alba.

The Spaniard will soon be turning 33 and has shown signs of age starting to catch up with him. With no viable backup for him currently apart from teenager Alejandro Balde, the Catalans will need to consider bringing in an experienced left-back in the summer who can challenge Alba for the starting berth and replace him eventually.

Valencia captain Jose Gaya has been long linked with a move to Camp Nou, but he may be out of reach due to the club’s financial restrictions. So, it would bode well for Barca to look at alternatives and Fichajes now reports that the name of Alejandro Grimaldo is starting to gain weight.

A former La Masia prospect, Grimaldo joined Barcelona from Valencia’s youth setup in 2008 and spent nearly eight years on the club’s books. He racked up 92 appearances for the B team during this time but never managed to break into the senior side due to Alba’s presence.

Having signed for SL Benfica in January 2016, the 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best left-backs in Portuguese football over the years and has gathered a lot of top-level experience.

Grimaldo recently returned to Camp Nou, when Barca played Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. During his visit, he revealed in an interview that he would always be open to a return to his boyhood club.

With Barcelona considering re-signing Grimaldo, an opportunity might present itself sooner rather than later. Furthermore, the 26-year-old could be available for a bargain price in the summer of next year, as his contract expires in 2023.