Real Madrid are determined to strengthen at left back, with club officials unconvinced by Ferland Mendy’s long term future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Frenchman has performed well this season, despite an error leading to Villarreal’s opener during Saturday’s defeat. Mendy has played regularly in the position, but despite that, he is not expected to remain at Real Madrid beyond the end of his current contract, which expires in 2025.
He has been linked with a move away from the club this season, with a move to the Premier League seeming most likely. Having signed for a total fee of €53m, Real Madrid would reportedly accept €40m for the 27-year-old.
Alphonso Davies is the star name that has been linked with a move to Los Blancos, but with Bayern are unlikely to part with Davies cheaply, Real Madrid have identified a back-up option in Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo, as per Fichajes.
Grimaldo came through the La Masia academy at Barcelona, but failed to make a first team appearance before moving to the Portuguese capital. His contract expires at the end of the season at Benfica, meaning that he could be a budget transfer should Davies fail to join.
The Spaniard may come in if Mendy leaves, or he could be brought in the complete with the Frenchman. If it were the latter, it could be a keenly contested battle to see who would be first choice in the position.
Although he doesn’t play in a “major” league, Grimaldo stands out as a player of quality. Excitingly for Real Madrid, he is someone that can attack and defend, with the latter being of particular importance under Carlo Ancelotti. He is a strong tackler, and has a good ability to not commit too early when attempting to stop a player.
He is very good with the ball at his feet, and is a very accomplished passer. His ball striking is very impressive, especially for a full back, and he isn’t afraid to shoot from distance. If needed, he is adept at set pieces, and has scored free kicks on more than one occasion for Benfica.
In terms of a signing, this one seems like a no brainer for Real Madrid, especially since he can be signed for nothing in the summer. Irrespective of how he matches up to Mendy, Grimaldo is a player of real quality, who should be playing in Europe’s top five leagues for a competitive team.
He would hold his own against Mendy if it better a battle for first team supremacy, and there are arguments to say that he is better than the Frenchman. He is perhaps slightly better defensively, and the two are similar going forward, but Grimaldo again perhaps edges it with his technical ability.
Alphonso Davies would be the best possible option for Real Madrid if he is available. However, with that deal seemingly unlikely, they can’t go wrong with signing a player like Grimaldo, especially on a free.
Javimor
0
Not a former Barca player pls We want players who don’t have that stupid Barca dna 🧬
AshraT
0
I pray MADRID sell MENDY then buy anyone at left back. Seriously Mendy is not the problem but Vinicius Jnr who's not doing any defensive activity!
Benjawillzz
0
and they sold him for peanuts now to get a right back of his quality will cost the club about 100 million
They didn't see it coming
Fisablrs
0
Hakimi is currently the best RB
and they sold him for peanuts now to get a right back of his quality will cost the club about 100 million
Benjawillzz
1
Madrid sold Hakimi and now he's one of the best RB in the world, Carvajal Is now old and about to be washed Madrid sold Theo Hernandez who is younger and better than Mendy who they bought for more money than Mendy Madrid would've had probably the best fullback duo in the world right now, but now they need to spend More than 150 million to get two wingbacks for each flank if they want good wingbacks
Hakimi is currently the best RB
Fisablrs
0
Madrid sold Hakimi and now he's one of the best RB in the world, Carvajal Is now old and about to be washed Madrid sold Theo Hernandez who is younger and better than Mendy who they bought for more money than Mendy Madrid would've had probably the best fullback duo in the world right now, but now they need to spend More than 150 million to get two wingbacks for each flank if they want good wingbacks
who they bought with more money than they sold Theo Hernandez*
Fisablrs
0
Madrid sold Hakimi and now he's one of the best RB in the world, Carvajal Is now old and about to be washed Madrid sold Theo Hernandez who is younger and better than Mendy who they bought for more money than Mendy Madrid would've had probably the best fullback duo in the world right now, but now they need to spend More than 150 million to get two wingbacks for each flank if they want good wingbacks
Fisablrs
0
Mendy 🤡😂
yipbdeimor
0
he is better than all th barca full backs, at least that's for sure
Luke shaw, Malacia🤔
teeacdlpr
3
he is better than all th barca full backs, at least that's for sure
fuckyoubonori
3
buy everyone and bench all of them 😂 that's what real do right
DESEN07
0
REAL MADRID should SIGN either Alphonso Davis or Hakimi
maddymadrid10
0
Miguel or Fran are better bets than girmaldo . we should get atleast one of the them back and see if one season how they are competing with Mendy . then decide
Papbdinu
1
no Mendy is much better idk why we are selling him I rather get read of RB and bring hakimi back
wuybeiksty
0
He’s the future for Real Madrid. They need to do everything to make sure he stays