Barcelona: Top 5 options for left-back signing in January

6 of 7

LISBON, PORTUGAL – AUGUST 25: Alex Grimaldo of SL Benfica in action during the Liga NOS match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio da Luz on August 25, 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /

1. Álex Grimaldo

Barcelona should try to bring back Álex Grimaldo to the club. The 23-year old left-back spent 7 years at the club, making a total of 92 appearances for Barça B. After being denied a call-up to the first-team squad, he left for Benfica, where he has become a first-team player.

Grimaldo has made 58 appearances in all competitions for Benfica, including 10 appearances in the Champions League. He has scored 5 goals, and has provided 8 assists during his tenure at the Estádio da Luz, which is quite prolific for a defender.

It is needless to say that Álex Grimaldo is among the best young left-backs in Europe. He is familiar with the club, and could contribute significantly to the future of the club if he rejoins, especially as the successor to Jordi Alba.

Grimaldo has grown as a player since leaving for Benfica. He is a very good passer of the ball, has good dribbling skills and has a good cross. He is also very pacy, and likes to link up with his teammates.

Éric Abidal will need to negotiate extensively for Grimaldo. His market value is high, and Benfica are not expected to let go of their rising star without a fight. But the big question is whether the young Spaniard will want to return to the club where he was denied an opportunity.

Home/Transfer Rumors