Real Madrid Targets Left-Back Reinforcements: Grimaldo and Gutiérrez in Focus

May 13 — According to Spanish media outlet Relevo, Real Madrid is currently focused on strengthening their left-back position, with Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo being a new target on their list. Girona's Miguel Gutiérrez is also under consideration.

At Valdebebas, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Although the first team did not train this week (due to a break following their loss to Barcelona in the Clasico), the club's office work never ceases. With Xabi Alonso confirming his stay and Ancelotti officially taking charge of the Brazilian national team, Real Madrid has begun laying the groundwork for squad reinforcements.

The goal is to bolster Madrid's currently thin defense. The club is fully committed to the upcoming Club World Cup—an unprecedented event that not only garners significant media attention but also offers record-breaking prize money, potentially reaching €180 million.

To this end, Real Madrid has acted swiftly, focusing on the left-back position. With Ferland Mendy confirmed to miss the World Cup in the USA and Fran García being the only backup, management is evaluating new candidates. According to Spanish radio station SER, the latest name added to the list is Alejandro Grimaldo.

The player, who came through Barcelona's youth academy and currently plays for Leverkusen, is highly regarded by Alonso and is seen as a perfect fit for Real Madrid's system. Grimaldo has long been on Madrid's radar, and his exceptional attacking ability with his left foot, extensive experience in European competitions, and status as a Spanish international are all advantages. His name has been discussed in meetings among the Bernabéu hierarchy, and Alonso is eager to include him in his squad. If the transfer fee is reasonable, he will be a key option.

Meanwhile, other potential targets are emerging. Miguel Gutiérrez stands out, as the former Real Madrid player could return via a “buy-back clause”—requiring just €8 million to sign him back from Girona, and he is also keen to return to the Bernabéu. His future will be revealed in the coming days, with several European clubs closely monitoring the situation.

In addition to Gutiérrez, Álvaro Carreira and Yorell Hato are also on the candidate list, both of whom are highly regarded by Real Madrid's sports department but have price tags higher than Gutiérrez and Grimaldo. The coming weeks will be crucial, with plans for strengthening the center-back position also on the agenda.