Alejandro Grimaldo: Xabi Alonso's First Signing at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid seems to be leaning towards Alejandro Grimaldo as their next left-back. The latest reports indicate significant progress in negotiations with the Spanish defender, one of the untouchables of Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. 

The former FC Barcelona youth player arrived in Germany in 2023 from Benfica and, although he still has a contract for two more seasons, the aspirin team has set his departure at 40 million euros. Barça also had the Valencian in their sights last summer, but the club could only close the incorporation of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor.

For the Tolosarra coach, this would be his first signing, as the incorporation of Trent Alexander-Arnold was closed before confirming Carlo Ancelotti's departure from the club. Furthermore, the coach does not rule out bringing Jonathan Tah to the Santiago Bernabéu, although Bayern Munich seems to be ahead in the negotiations for a center-back who is also on the Azulgrana's radar.

Álvaro Carreras and Dean Hujsen, other alternatives for Madrid

As far as left-backs are concerned, the 'merengue' board continues to work on three fronts to reinforce the lane that, this season, has been a headache due to the injuries of Ferland Mendy and the poor level of Fran García. The other alternatives that convince Real Madrid are Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen, but the asking price for both is very high for the 'merengues' finances.

Carreras is from Madrid's youth academy, but Benfica does not plan to let him go for less than 50 million euros. The player from Ferrol arrived this season at the 'eagles' for just 6 'kilos' from Manchester United and caught the attention of Barça during the league phase of the Champions League. However, the culés did not make any contact for the defender.

Dean Huijsen in the match between AFC Bornemouth and Everton in the Premier League

The case of Huijsen is similar. Bournemouth has set his asking price at 58 million euros, an amount that the white board has tried, unsuccessfully so far, to reduce through installment payments or the inclusion of one of its players in the operation. The Amsterdam-born player has already made his debut with the Spanish national team and his departure from the 'rojinegro' team is imminent.

Thus, given the urgency of incorporating another left-back, the most likely thing is that Madrid will lean towards Alejandro Grimaldo. The club hopes to arrive at the Club World Cup with at least three reinforcements, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being the only one closed a month before the start of the tournament.