At a glance
- Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni is strongly linked to FC Barcelona.
- The Italian would partner Pau Cubarsi, if Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta can pull off the coup.
- Meanwhile, former La Masia product Alejandro Grimaldo could be a full-back option.
FC Barcelona are looking to take the next step forward under Hansi Flick. Having built a young, La Masia-dependent squad, the club’s sporting director Deco has set his sights on two specific players who would raise the team’s tactical level: Alessandro Bastoni and a potentially returning Alejandro Grimaldo.
Alessandro Bastoni: The all-round centre-back for FC Barcelona
The Inter Milan star is arguably the best left-footed central defender in the world when it comes to playing the ball out from the back.
Speculation linking him with FC Barcelona has intensified in March following the player’s social media activity, plus Inter’s need to balance the books.
Bastoni has ‘liked’ posts from a possible one-day centreback partner Pau Cubarsi, and his transfer is estimated to be worth around €50 million according to market expert Fabrizio Romano.
Although Bastoni’s release clause is higher, Inter might be open to negotiations if variables are included.
What does Bastoni add to what’s already there?
Ball distribution and physicality: He outperforms Gerard Martin in long passing and Cubarsi in physicality and international experience.
Ball-carrying ability: Bastoni has a unique ability to carry the ball into the opposition’s half, relieving pressure on the central midfielders.
Tactical versatility: He allows Flick to switch between a back four and a back three with ease.
Alejandro Grimaldo: Maturity and FC Barcelona ‘DNA’
At 30 years of age, the Bayer Leverkusen left-back is enjoying the best spell of his career. His familiarity with Barça’s playing style (having come through La Masia) makes him the ideal candidate to compete with Alejandro Balde.
As he enters the final year of his contract in 2027, Barça could bring Grimaldo home from Germany for a fee of around €20 million according to Onda Cero.
What does he bring to the table compared to Balde?
Effectiveness in the final third: Whilst Balde stands out for his pace and ability to get past defenders, Grimaldo is a master in the centre and at delivering key passes. His Expected Assists (xA) statistics are far superior.
Set-pieces: Barça would gain a world-class taker of free-kicks and corners, which is an area somewhat lacking in the current squad.
Tactical intelligence: Grimaldo can play in central midfield too, offering a ‘flipped full-back’ option that Balde, a more traditional wing-back, does not master to the same extent.
The arrival of these two players would transform a ‘promising’ defence into a dominant one. Bastoni can provide the solidity and build-up play needed to compete in the Champions League, while Grimaldo can offer the composure and precision required in matches where opponents sit deep against FC Barcelona’s play.
