Juventus, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Arsenal are pushing for Alex Grimaldo but Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is also a big fan of the Benfica left-back, transfer expert Rudy Galetti tells Tribal Football.
Matt Targett is the very definition of ‘solid rather than spectacular’. The archetypal 7/10 footballer. Grimaldo, however, would give the Magpies a very different dimension on the left-hand side.
A more cerebral, technically-gifted footballer, the former Spain U21 international honed his talents at Barcelona’s La Masia academy and those Blaugrana roots shine through as he waves his magic wand on the left-hand side, creating little moments of magic.
Grimaldo’s long-range stunner against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League group-stages highlight his ability to create something out of nothing, while few full-backs in Europe produce a better dead ball.
In all competitions last term, the 27-year-old produced six goals and nine assists. He already has two goals and four assists this season too.
Newcastle United rival Man City, Inter Milan and Napoli for Alex Grimaldo
With Grimaldo’s contract expiring in less than 12 months’ time, there is already a throng of clubs queueing up to sign one of Europe’s most underrated left-backs on the cheap. Galetti says that Inter Milan, Napoli and Manchester City are watching closely. Struggling Juventus are set to offer Grimaldo a contract too.
And Newcastle United, he adds, have now entered the race ‘with great determination’. Eddie Howe is a firm admirer, and shares the same agent as the three-time Primeira Liga winner.
“Since the beginning of the season, he’s been playing at a very high level. I think he’s extraordinary. Full of class,” Benfica coach Roger Schmidt tells Record of Grimaldo, who looks set to depart for a minor fraction of his £50 million release clause.
“He can defend and attack, and he’s a very reliable player, with a very good attitude. Physically, he’s strong.
“It’s important to have him in the team and I hope he stays at Benfica. As you know, (speculation) is part of football. It’s the players who have to make their own decisions. I asked him to stay more years at Benfica. There are decisions the player makes.”
Newcastle, meanwhile, are also targeting some of the game’s most exciting young talent. Brazilian trio Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel and Eguinaldo are all under consideration.
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