Barcelona Transfer Rumors Debunked: Grimaldo and Bastoni Not Targets

Reports about Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni joining Barcelona are false. Despite talk about new defenders, these two players are not in Barcelona’s plans.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Rumors of Barcelona chasing Alejandro Grimaldo and Alessandro Bastoni are untrue. Earlier, there were reports of a €25-40 million offer for Grimaldo. The 29-year-old Spanish player, who left Barcelona in 2016, had shown interest in returning. However, these reports are not accurate.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona are currently third in La Liga. They are 8 points behind leaders Real Madrid and 3 points behind Atletico Madrid with three games left. Their defense has been weak, conceding 42 goals in 35 games. Due to financial limits, Barcelona must choose new players carefully.

Grimaldo has had a strong season at Bayer Leverkusen. He has 16 goal involvements in 45 games. He joined Leverkusen from Benfica in 2023 and has been key for the team. However, Leverkusen couldn’t defend their title this year.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

With Grimaldo and Bastoni not being targets, Barcelona must find new defenders. They play Sevilla next weekend as they fight for a Champions League spot. Barcelona’s sporting director Deco must find defenders who fit the club’s budget.

The transfer window opens on July 1. Barcelona have about seven weeks to plan their transfers. With limited money, they might target younger, less famous players or loan deals to improve their squad for the 2025/26 season.