According to a recent report by the Sports Witness, Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo in the January transfer window. The left full-back has emerged as a transfer target recently for Eddie Howe, although it is believed that the Premier League outfit are set to face tough competition from the La Liga giants FC Barcelona. Alex Grimaldo’s current contract at Benfica ends in the summer of 2023 and it is believed that the player could be available for around €20 million in January. The Magpies have recently bought Kieran Trippier and are now looking set to form a new full-back duo.
Alex Grimaldo A Key Figure At Benfica
Alex Grimaldo has enjoyed immense success in Benfica colours since his move from Barcelona in 2016. The Spaniard is considered as one of the best left-backs in the Portuguese top flight and he has made 231 competitive appearances for Benfica which makes him one of the leading figures in the team.
The 26-year-old has shown his attacking prowess in the league providing 35 league assists playing as a left full-back. This season too, the Spaniard has 3 goals and 4 assists in 15 appearances in the league. Keeping in mind Grimaldo’s contract situation, Eddie Howe will be keen on upgrading his full-back position by swooping in the Spaniard in this transfer window for a minimal fee.
What Will Alex Grimaldo Bring To Eddie Howe’s Squad?
Eddie Howe is possibly looking to find an upgrade over Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie at left-back and hence has targeted Alex Grimaldo as a possible replacement. The Spaniard’s success in the Portuguese league gives us a clear show of his technical prowess and also his attacking service upfront. It is believed that combining with Trippier in that right side, both the full-backs will make Newcastle United much more lethal on the flanks.
Jamal Lewis is only 23 and has a lot to learn still, therefore the experience of Grimaldo will be huge in terms of what Eddie Howe is looking to bring in this window. Barcelona’s financial issues mean the Magpies are front-runners to buy the Spaniard in this window if they are ready to spend around €20 million. Now it remains to be seen if Newcastle United do break their bank and bring in him to improve their team in a fight to save relegation in the Premier League this season.
