Benfica doing ‘everything’ to stop player from leaving for Man City or Newcastle

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Benfica will reportedly make one final contract offer to Alex Grimaldo, with the defender currently set to leave Portugal for free amid interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United.

According to O Jogo, Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has asked the club to ‘throw everything at the wall’ to sign the left-back down to a new deal, with Grimaldo’s current contract due to expire at the end of this season as the Spanish fullback looks primed to leave the Portuguese giants.

This week has been a whirlwind of updates surrounding Grimaldo’s future, with AS recently reporting that Newcastle are interested in signing the left-back, whilst CNN claim that Pep Guardiola’s side could also be in the mix for the 27-year-old.

With five goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season, Grimaldo has been one of the best fullbacks in Europe, with the defender often regarded as one of the best left-backs outside the top-five leagues. And this summer looks set to be the one where the Benfica man finally earns his big move.

Indeed, whilst the decision to leave Benfica is yet to be made official by Grimaldo, it is likely that the club’s final contract offer will still be rejected, especially with how many big clubs are now chasing the La Masia academy graduate ahead of the summer.

However, given how good Benfica have been this season, especially in Europe, there could be a small chance that Grimaldo decides to stay at the club, a decision that could come as a huge blow for both City and Newcastle given their need for a new left-back.

Grimaldo has to be certain he wants to leave Benfica this summer

Grimaldo has been one of Benfica’s best players this season, and whilst the defender’s contract is expiring and two big Premier League sides are interested in the fullback, the Spaniard must be certain he wants to leave the Portuguese giants before making any decision.

As mentioned, Benfica have been sensational this season and could be one of the dark horses to win the UEFA Champions League, and a deep run in the competition could be enough to convince Grimaldo to sign a new contract for another year or two.