Real Madrid needs many changes for next season. A huge list of footballers have been pointed out for their poor form and terrible effectiveness. Combined with the fact that this year the infirmary has been full almost the entire season, the most affected line of play has been the defense.
For this reason, Florentino Pérez has gotten to work, especially in that area of the field. With the recent addition of the new coach, Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid seeks a winning project. The already merengue coach, as often happens, wants to take his favorites wherever he goes.
Xabi Alonso built a fearsome team in Germany. Among them, Alejandro Grimaldo was one of his best players. The need for a reliable left-back for Real Madrid combined with Xabi Alonso's knowledge of the footballer is key.
High treason
Alejandro Grimaldo, 29 years old, has played in Barça's lower categories for 8 years. The full-back, who has had an unrepeatable season, is also being considered by FC Barcelona. The two major LaLiga teams are on the trail of the Valencian.
His numbers support him: 4 goals and 13 assists in 47 official matches, and a value of 40 million euros. With Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, he has mostly played as a left wing-back. This quality is worthy of a footballer capable of defending and attacking for 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Grimaldo has spoken on numerous occasions about Xabi Alonso. "His vision as a coach who has been a footballer makes him understand the game perfectly," he proudly stated.
"That combination of factors and his personality make him understand what is going to happen at every moment. Xabi knows how to treat the player at any time or how to manage the locker room," explained the Spanish full-back. That's why his signing for Real Madrid seems so close.
He is not the only one in the left-back casting
The past, present, and probably future of Alejandro Grimaldo and Xabi Alonso, together again in the locker room, doesn't mean that Real Madrid doesn't have other alternatives. Florentino Pérez has closely observed the Portuguese market.
The footballer in question is the Spaniard Álvaro Carreras. The 22-year-old full-back has stood out this season with his club, SL Benfica. Half of Europe is after the Galician, who is open to further developing at another club.
Looking ahead to the summer market, the '3' could leave Portuguese soccer that has given him everything. It will ultimately be Florentino Pérez's Real Madrid who decides between the two. On one hand, there is the experience, versatility, and maturity of Alejandro Grimaldo, and on the other, the youth, speed, and future of Álvaro Carreras.
The boldest have already talked about the possibility of signing both. Alejandro Grimaldo, valued at 40 million euros, and Álvaro Carreras, with a 50 million clause, would compete for a spot in the desired starting eleven.