According to the latest report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are considering whether to strengthen their full-back positions, particularly on the left flank, which is currently under significant pressure.
The club had previously considered Grimaldo during the summer transfer window, and he remains a favoured option. Cancelo and Muñoz have also expressed their willingness to join.
It is reported that Barcelona are gradually drawing lessons from this season as they prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window, while also evaluating player performances. The squad has progressively identified certain positions with shortcomings and plans to make necessary investments in accordance with Financial Fair Play regulations and economic circumstances.
One position of particular concern is left-back, which has indeed been one of the most challenging areas for the team under Flick's management. The current first-choice player is Balde, but his performances have not reached the expected standard, with issues surfacing at crucial moments.
Furthermore, Barcelona's problem lies in the fact that backup left-backs Gerard Martin and Torrents have yet to demonstrate the potential to become regular starters. Regarding Gerard, his performances last season were commendable, fulfilling his defensive duties and showing flashes of brilliance in attack.
However, Barcelona pursues excellence, and Gerard still has shortcomings. As for the young Torrents, the club holds high hopes for him, but he currently appears somewhat raw, particularly defensively. While his physical and technical attributes fill the coaching staff with anticipation, they believe deploying him as a starter now could prove counterproductive.
Deco had hoped to sign Grimaldo, but the move fell through for financial reasons. Nevertheless, Grimaldo remains on the transfer radar, not only for his quality and performances but also because he has just one and a half years left on his Bayer Leverkusen contract, making him an attractive target.
Furthermore, Grimaldo's contract contains a clause permitting his transfer to a Spanish club for an offer between €15 million and €20 million. His desire remains to return to La Liga, and he is aware of Barcelona's interest.
Grimaldo represents a realistic and appealing option. Whilst Barcelona are evidently also interested in players like Nuno Mendes or Gvardiol, these individuals have recently renewed their contracts with their respective clubs, which face no pressure to sell. Consequently, they remain out of reach.
From Barcelona's perspective, the right-back position is relatively 'manageable'. Although there is no dedicated specialist for the role, both Koundé and Eric García are centre-backs by trade. The former has successfully converted to right-back, while the latter, despite current form issues, has proven his capabilities and extended his contract until 2028 this August.
The club also aims to renew Eric García's contract as recognition for his outstanding performances, during which he has also delivered commendably at right-back. Consequently, right-back is not an urgent position requiring reinforcement. Should a new signing be pursued, however, it must be a player capable of elevating the existing standard.
Dumfries exemplifies this. The Dutch international was linked with Barcelona last summer due to a clause in his contract allowing a €25 million release fee before 2028. However, Barcelona were unable to complete the deal at the time due to failing to meet the Financial Fair Play 1:1 rule.
Another full-back linked with Barcelona is João Cancelo. Although he commands a high salary at Al-Nassr, he harbours a particular fondness for Barcelona and recently expressed his desire to return to European football as soon as possible. Capable of playing on either flank, his attacking prowess is unquestionable, and he possesses genuine enthusiasm for the Catalan club.
Deco has long held him in high regard. However, Flick may harbour reservations about his overly attacking style, given that he faced criticism for defensive shortcomings during his own spell at Barcelona.
Another full-back dreaming of joining Barcelona is Colombian international Muñoz, who openly expressed his desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt in a recent interview. As an attacking wing-back with strong offensive instincts, he aspires to take his career to the next level.