Grimaldo reveals talks with Xabi Alonso about Real Madrid move

Alejandro Grimaldo has revealed that he held talks with Xabi Alonso about potentially following him to Real Madrid last summer.

Alonso had left Leverkusen for the Spanish capital and initially explored the possibility of bringing his fellow Spaniard along. Ultimately, however, nothing came of it.

“There was always a possibility of joining Xabi; I had some conversations with him, but I would have had to get to Valdebebas (Real Madrid's training ground) and see how to organize it,” Grimaldo told El Larguero.

“There was also the option to go to Barcelona and Atlético Madrid; as you can see, nothing materialized,” he added.

Unlike Alonso and many high-profile teammates, Grimaldo stayed at Leverkusen – and he’s optimistic about what’s ahead under new head coach Kasper Hjulmand.

“Many players left, but we have a beautiful year ahead. It’s true that the start has been difficult; new teammates have arrived, and we need more time to gel. We started with Ten Hag for three games, but now we have Hjulmand, and things are going well,” he said.