Latest news with #Grimaldo
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Real Madrid looking at Alonso's trusted star as ‘Plan B' after price tag halts priority deal
Real Madrid looking at Alonso's trusted star as 'Plan B' after price tag halts priority deal Real Madrid's pursuit of a new left-back has taken a twist, with SPORT revealing that the club may be forced to turn to Plan B, who is Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo. Madrid's primary objective this summer has been to reinforce the left flank of their defence, with Alvaro Carreras identified as the top target. Advertisement However, talks with Benfica have proven difficult, with the Portuguese side unwilling to compromise on the player's €50 million release clause. Benfica's intent to retain Carreras for the upcoming Club World Cup has added further resistance, and Real Madrid are reportedly hesitant to meet the full asking price. A lot is said about Carreras While multiple reports have suggested that the Carreras deal is already wrapped up pending a medical, the reality appears far more complicated. Unlike the swift announcements for Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Madrid have remained silent on Carreras, largely due to the unresolved fee issue. Advertisement As a result, Los Blancos are now reconsidering alternatives, and Grimaldo is the standout candidate. Real Madrid are yet to close Alvaro Carreras' transfer. (Photo by) It is to be noted that the Spaniard has impressed with his performances under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, playing a remarkable 48 matches this season. Grimaldo, a La Masia product, has revitalised his career in the Bundesliga and remains one of Europe's most consistent full-backs. An interesting option to have What makes Grimaldo particularly attractive to Real Madrid is his price tag. With two years left on his current deal, he could be available for around €30 million, which is €20 million less than Carrera's. Advertisement This figure falls well within Madrid's budget and would allow the club to meet Alonso's tactical needs without entering a drawn-out bidding war. Grimaldo's experience, attacking threat, and positional discipline make him an ideal candidate to compete with or even displace Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia, neither of whom have fully convinced the coaching staff. Moreover, his potential availability for the Club World Cup makes the timing even more crucial. For now, the Carreras deal remains Madrid's priority, but with Benfica standing firm and Madrid unwilling to overpay, Grimaldo is moving rapidly up the shortlist.
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Real Madrid ‘Rival' Barcelona in Left Back Search
Real Madrid aren't ruling out a pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen left back Alejandro Grimaldo, which could put them on collision course with La Liga rivals Barcelona. Madrid are keen to continue a defensive overhaul, after already securing a deal for center back Dean Huijsen with right back Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to arrive imminently. Left back is next on the agenda. But while negotiations for Benfica's Álvaro Carreras have been reported to be advanced, Madrid are still reported to be keeping their options open until a deal is closed. AS writes that if Carreras is in "pole position" to arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu, then Grimaldo is also "in the mix". Grimaldo has the obvious upside of already being well known to the manager widely expected to take over Madrid this summer, Xabi Alonso. The Spanish fullback played a major role in the coach's success at Leverkusen over the past couple of seasons. With Carreras reportedly priced at €40–50 million ($45.3–56.6 million), Grimaldo could also be vastly cheaper. AS suggests a price in the range of €15–20 million ($17–22.6 million). However, the one factor majorly in Carreras's favour is his age. At 22, he is seven years younger than Grimaldo. It gives Madrid potentially a decade or more of service, even with the greater cost. But Grimaldo is still considered a strong "backup" in case the Carreras deal isn't finalised. Barcelona have also been linked with Grimaldo in Spain. The Catalans have struggled for left back depth this season due to injury to Alejandro Balde, and Barça B player Gerard Martin the only cover. Grimaldo started his career at Barcelona after graduating La Masia but never played a senior game. Ironically, like Carreras, who was let go by Manchester United, he made his name with Benfica. READ THE LATEST LA LIGA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND GOSSIP Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid make their choice between two full-back targets
According to Cadena SER (via RM4 Arab), Real Madrid have identified Alvaro Carreras as their priority signing for the left-back position, shutting the door on a potential move for Alejandro Grimaldo. After weeks of careful planning and negotiations, Los Blancos are now on the verge of securing Carreras' signature in what appears to be a long-term investment. Advertisement The report indicates that Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Benfica for the 22-year-old Spaniard, with the deal set to be finalised before the FIFA Club World Cup. Carreras is expected to sign a contract that runs until 2031 and will earn a salary close to €9 million annually. The final paperwork with Benfica is reportedly being wrapped up, and an official announcement is anticipated soon. Carreras, a product of the Manchester United academy who impressed during his loan spell at Preston North End before joining Benfica, has rapidly emerged as one of Europe's most promising full-backs. His attacking instincts, composure on the ball, and versatility have made him an attractive profile for Real Madrid's long-term project. No room for Grimaldo despite public admiration Real Madrid will not make an effort for Grimaldo. (Photo by) While Grimaldo has been loosely linked with a return to Spain, especially given his strong performances at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have seemingly decided not to pursue the 29-year-old. Advertisement His name came up partly due to Alonso's arrival at the Bernabeu next season, which had fuelled speculation of a possible reunion. Grimaldo himself added fuel to the fire with recent comments praising the Spanish giants, stating, 'Real Madrid is a big club. My goal is to play for a big club. I've spent two wonderful years at Leverkusen, but every player has their dreams, and my club knows that my dream is to go to Spain.' However, despite his admiration and availability, Real Madrid's sporting leadership has opted to move forward with a younger, high-potential player in Carreras.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Barcelona academy ace opens up on Real Madrid links – ‘Want to play for the best teams in the world'
Former Barcelona academy ace opens up on Real Madrid links – 'Want to play for the best teams in the world' Alejandro Grimaldo, the Bayer Leverkusen left-back, has opened up about his name being linked with Real Madrid. Speaking on El Chiringuito (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the former La Masia product admitted that being associated with a club like Real Madrid is a moment of pride for him. Advertisement 'I'm very happy to be linked with Real Madrid. It's a source of pride that people can think I'm at the level to play for one of the greatest teams in the world. 'It's what I'm working for and one of my ambitions.' said Grimaldo when asked directly about the rumours. The Spaniard has enjoyed a strong season under the management of Xabi Alonso, who is set to take charge of Real Madrid. 'I've never closed the door on that. Leverkusen is a very strong team, but my dream is to return to Spain. It's an idea I've had in my head for a long time. 'Would I like to play for Real Madrid? What I want is to play for the best teams in the world, and if that opportunity comes,' he added. Advertisement The links to Grimaldo stem from Real Madrid's ongoing concerns at left-back, where Ferland Mendy's injury issues have left only Fran Garcia as the main option. Alejandro Grimaldo has opened up on Real Madrid's interest. (Photo by) Although Grimaldo still has a contract at Bayer Leverkusen until 2027, his relationship with Alonso and the club's need for depth in that position led to natural speculation. In fact, Alonso has reportedly asked for a new left-back ahead of next season. Carreras edges closer to Madrid move Despite Grimaldo's openness to the idea, it may be too late. Reports suggest that Real Madrid are close to securing a deal for Benfica's rising star Alvaro Carreras. Advertisement The 22-year-old is said to have agreed personal terms with Los Blancos, including a long-term contract until 2031 worth around €9 million per year. Carreras, whose release clause stands at €50 million, appears to be the preferred choice for the club's future at left-back. While nothing has been officially announced yet, it seems only a matter of time before Real Madrid confirm the signing. As for Grimaldo, his words may reflect genuine admiration, but with Carreras almost through the door, it is unlikely Madrid will go for two left-backs. Still, the fact that a player developed at Barcelona's academy is openly expressing his pride in being linked to Madrid says a lot about the pull of the Spanish capital.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona weighing up €25 million offer to re-sign former La Masia defender
Alejandro Grimaldo is once again on Barcelona's radar. The former La Masia left-back, currently excelling at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, has been one of the standout performers for the German side. With a past in Barcelona's youth academy, his name has gained strength in the club's offices as a possible reinforcement to the defensive unit where Gerard Martin has not always impressed when stepping in as a backup for Alejandro Balde. Grimaldo could return to Barcelona As such, Fichajes reports that Barcelona are prepared to put forward €25 million to sign Alejandro Grimaldo in the summer – a figure Bayer Leverkusen may consider acceptable. Advertisement The former La Masia defender has found the Bundesliga to be the perfect platform to establish himself as one of the best in his position. At 29, Grimaldo is in the prime of his career and is open to returning to the club where he developed. The interest is mutual, and his familiarity with the club's environment and playing style makes him an appealing option for the coaching staff. Grimaldo on Barcelona's radars. (Photo by) In an increasingly inflated transfer market, his potential signing would represent a strategically and economically sound move for Barcelona. Alejandro Balde has excelled as the starting left-back, but Gerard Martin has not quite been able to match the same level, especially when it comes to the attacking side of things – something that Grimaldo can. Advertisement While Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to part ways with such a key player, they are aware that the player's desire and the offer on the table could influence the decision. Xabi Alonso's potential departure from the club could also become a key factor in the Spaniard's decision. Grimaldo's camp is closely monitoring the situation, knowing that a return to Camp Nou could become a possibility in the summer transfer window.
