Reports Linking Alejandro Grimaldo and Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona Are Wide of the Mark
Recent media speculation has linked Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo and Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni with potential summer moves to FC Barcelona. However, sources close to the club and both players suggest these reports are, at best, overstated and, at worst, misleading.
While Barcelona are indeed in the market for defensive reinforcements, particularly in light of ongoing injury issues and an aging backline, the specific naming of Grimaldo and Bastoni as “concrete targets” appears to be premature. Club insiders indicate that no formal approach has been made for either player, and neither is currently viewed as a priority target.
Alejandro Grimaldo, a former La Masia product, has enjoyed a standout season with Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, playing a crucial role in their Bundesliga title win. His impressive attacking returns from left-back have naturally drawn attention from Europe’s elite clubs. Still, sources suggest Barcelona’s interest is more speculative than active. The financial implications of a move for Grimaldo, especially given his recent form and contract status, make him an unlikely signing unless sales are made to free up funds.
As for Alessandro Bastoni, the highly-rated Italian defender has long been admired by many top European sides, including Barcelona. Nevertheless, Inter Milan have no intention of selling him, and the player himself is reportedly content in Milan, where he remains a key figure in Simone Inzaghi’s system. Bastoni’s high valuation, combined with Barcelona’s limited transfer budget, renders a deal highly improbable in the current market conditions.
In short, while both Grimaldo and Bastoni would be valuable additions to any top club, there is no evidence to support the notion that Barcelona are actively pursuing either player. The club’s current recruitment focus lies elsewhere, with attention being paid to more financially viable options and internal solutions such as promoting youth talent from La Masia.
For now, talk of Grimaldo and Bastoni as “concrete targets” for Barcelona appears to be wide of the mark — more rumor than reality.
