Deco is already working in the transfer market to strengthen the Barça squad for next season. His main goal is to reinforce the wings of the attacking front, but he isn't ruling out other signings that could raise the team's overall level.
In this regard, the Joan García operation fits perfectly with this approach. The best goalkeeper in La Liga could leave Espanyol for €25 million, and Deco won't hesitate. Barça will finalize his signing, and he will become the new guardian of Camp Nou goal.
Problems on the left flank
But beyond Joan, Deco is closely monitoring a left-back to compete with Balde. Madrid and Atlético, which could have been his destination, have fallen behind, and Barça is emerging as the most interesting option.
Currently, the club is satisfied with the performance of Balde and Gerard Martín. Balde has established himself as a starter, standing out for his offensive power. Meanwhile, Martín started as an emergency solution from the reserve team, but he has shown his level.
Even so, FC Barcelona has a depth problem. During the season, they have had to turn to a player without elite experience, and Hansi Flick doesn't want to make that mistake again.
We're talking about Alejandro Grimaldo, who could leave Bayer this summer and join Barça. His profile fits for several reasons: technical quality, experience in high-level competitions, and a deep understanding of the Barça style. His past was in Catalonia, he was trained at La Masia, and he even played for the Barça reserve team.
Alejandro Grimaldo, plan A
Deco wants a reliable reinforcement who guarantees competitiveness and security if Balde isn't available. This is where Alejandro Grimaldo comes in, with a solid track record at Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen, where he has performed at a high level since 2023.
The left-sided wing-back, drafted by Luis de la Fuente to play in the Nations League, brings a lot of value. He is a player who initially played as a very offensive full-back and who, due to his clubs' needs, has ended up playing as a wing-back. It's a plus for the footballer that he attacks and defends for the full 90 minutes.
Barça knows that Grimaldo values returning to the club, although he is also being followed by Madrid as an alternative to Álvaro Carreras. Barça's interest goes back a long way, and the player would be willing to return to LaLiga if a convincing offer arrives.