Negotiations ‘under way’ as price hike clears Man City path to defender
Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo after both Lazio and Shakhtar Donetsk baulked at his asking price.
The 25-year-old has been with Benfica for five and a half years after joining from Barcelona in January 2016. The left-back began in the Valencia youth setup before moving to the Catalans in 2008. But despite numerous appearances for Barcelona B, he failed to make a single senior appearance for the Spanish giants.
The Primeira Liga switch has been positive as the Valencia-born ace has enjoyed 201 outings in all competitions for the Eagles. However, the Portuguese club are now under pressure to keep hold of the stopper.
O Jogo recently reported that Lazio chief Maurizio Sarri was eager to get the versatile player on board. Roberto De Zerbi wanted him at Shakhtar but both clubs were not keen on the idea of forking out €20m.
City were first linked back in April. He was said to be one of three defensive targets Pep Guardiola had in mind to replace Benjamin Mendy.
And now Portuguese transfer expert Pedro Almeida claims the Premier League champions have rekindled their interest. He reports that negotiations are already under way for a possible summer transfer.
Unsurprisingly, Benfica are looking to get as much as they can for the former Spain Under-21 ace. And, with that in mind, they have reportedly raised their asking price to €30m.
That figure is unlikely to entice his previous suitors to re-enter the picture. City may now have the green light to proceed.
Grimaldo would give Guardiola options
Benfica finished third in the Portuguese top flight last term. Grimaldo made 27 starts among 31 league appearances.
He played 43 times in all competitions, scoring twice and contributing 10 assists. Primarily a left-back, the Spaniard can also operate wide on the left of midfield or even in a central position.
City do seem well stocked in those positions and midfield will be even more crowded if Jack Grealish arrives. Grimaldo might be seen as a back-up player who can deputise for the main stars in many positions.
Whether or not he is prepared to do that is open to debate having seen so much action with his present employers.
Jose Mourinho is a known admirer of the star, having made enquiries about him while in charge of Manchester United and Tottenham. Now in the Roma hotseat, the Portuguese tactician may well try a third time to land his man.
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