Newcastle could make statement of intent by signing Alejandro Grimaldo, he’s available this summer

Newcastle United are in the market for a new wide man this summer, with Alejandro Grimaldo set to be available.

The Spaniard will have just one year remaining on his contract at Bayer Leverkusen, and has been heavily linked with a move to Besiktas in recent days.

But any talk of an agreement with the Turkish side is wide of the mark, although the Spaniard is thought to be open to a summer move.

The Magpies look set to lose Anthony Gordon this summer amid huge interest, and several other players could join him out of the door.

Newcastle transfer chiefs will be on the lookout for options across the squad, and Grimaldo’s situation could represent an ideal market opportunity.

Newcastle United have long-term interest in Alejandro Grimaldo

When the Spain international was leaving Benfica on a free transfer in 2023, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Newcastle were interested in Grimaldo.

Much of Europe was, but the left-back ultimately decided to move to Germany and Bayer Leverkusen, after a pitch from Xabi Alonso.

That decision would prove to be a wise one. Grimaldo scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists across all competitions in his first season, making 51 appearances as Leverkusen went unbeaten to win the domestic double.

Alonso deployed the defender in a more advanced position and he has thrived there ever since, even moving into the centre more in recent months.

Grimaldo’s ability to still play left-back makes him an incredibly attractive option for an interested club, and Newcastle will surely try their hand.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed this week that the Leverkusen man, who has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions this season, is open to summer proposals.

Where would Grimaldo fit in for Newcastle?

Considering what he has done since joining Leverkusen, it would feel a waste to deploy Grimaldo at left-back.

And Newcastle are not attempting to replace Lewis Hall. The back-up would be helpful, but the Spaniard would almost certainly be deployed on the left of midfield.

Amid building pressure, Eddie Howe has experimented with his formation over the last few weeks, shifting between flat-five midfields, the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1.

Grimaldo has largely featured in three-back formations at Leverkusen, but put him in a similar area, and he will be just as effective.

With Gordon set to leave, the 30-year-old could be deployed on the left of midfield, or even as an inside box-to-box midfielder.

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