07 Jun 2026 11:46:28
So it appears we are in for Alejandro Grimaldo to replace Marc Cucurella. Anyone know much about him?

1.) 07 Jun 2026
07 Jun 2026 12:43:57
Nothing from me, I'm afraid, Greenaway, but apparently Alonso likes him.

2.) 07 Jun 2026
07 Jun 2026 18:45:03
Obviously perfect for the Alonso system, technically very good, capable of inverting in the attacking third and being a creative force. His heat maps, under Alonso, show how often he did this. He has a year left on his contract, so won't break the bank. It’s a move that makes a ton of sense to me. I actually think Barco could learn a lot from him, and eventually take over the LWB role permanently. People correctly point out that Barco is more CM than LB now, but I’d argue the LWB role, under Alonso, is more CM than LB, and would see Barco in more positions to use his creative passing, certainly more than he would in the double pivot.



I recommend everyone check out tactical reviews of Alonso's invincible season at Leverkusen. It becomes obvious how important Grimaldo was. My only concern would be him adjusting to the pace of the EPL at this stage of his career, but I think he should be good enough.

3.) 07 Jun 2026
07 Jun 2026 20:12:35
Thanks, J. So you would endorse the signing? Sounds like the owners and sporting directors are buying into Alonso running the show if this one happens.

4.) 07 Jun 2026
07 Jun 2026 22:11:33
100%, it makes a lot of sense in the short term. Also, part of the mentality monster hiring that Alonso wants to do.

5.) 08 Jun 2026
08 Jun 2026 11:49:26
Thanks, J.

6.) 08 Jun 2026
08 Jun 2026 14:31:43
Interesting posts, and thanks for them. I would endorse J's point about Grimaldo. Losing MC would still be a big blow, but given where we ended up after last season's dreadful mid-table mediocrity defining tenth place, it would not be surprising. I can only hope we don't lose EF or JP too, though EF seems a likely loss. It will be a tough job for Alonso to come in at this time, but we all hope he will be our equivalent of Klopp.

Our rivals for the top 4/5 will be strengthening yet further. LFC may improve considerably under Iraola. Our one big advantage should obviously be not having to play much midweek football, and being able to benefit as United (and Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and Brentford!?) did last season.

7.) 08 Jun 2026
08 Jun 2026 16:31:01
JBS

We have a really good squad of players. They were just badly coached.

8.) 09 Jun 2026
08 Jun 2026 22:04:13
Grimaldo will be 31 in Sept, and has played his whole career in Benfica and Germany. He is okay. I would be happier with Hato at LB tbh - if we were to lose Cucurella.

9.) 09 Jun 2026
08 Jun 2026 22:23:33
I think Bill is correct in saying we have a good squad of players. Maresca coached them well, with top 4 last season, 2 pots, and in a comfortable Champions League position this season; when he left, that was sadly undone by Liam and then Ginger.

Celery, I'm with you on Hato, he looks a sublime talent, but I think he really suits that left-sided centre back role in a back 3?

10.) 09 Jun 2026
09 Jun 2026 08:07:25
We are not sure if Alonso is going to play with three at the back, although that seems to have been his favoured historic shape.

If he does go down that route, I'm not sure how that will affect our current wide players?

Of course, he could just look at the squad and play 433.



Grimaldo looked a solid player when I last saw him play. I'm not sure about him as a person/leader, but the manager knows him well, and we have to trust his judgement.

11.) 10 Jun 2026
10 Jun 2026 05:19:12
I wouldn't get too caught up on starting formations, four or three at the back. In possession, Alonso's teams typically end up with three defenders and a pivot sitting deep, with five in the attacking positions. If we were to sign Grimaldo, it would be to fill one of the attacking five positions, from the left hand side.

Garnacho will likely move on, possibly Gittens and Neto too.

Although Neto can play inside, so maybe there's a role for him. Quenda can and has played WB. Estevao and Palmer are both very good options for Alonso's system.

Character-wise, he's been part of a Leverkusen side previously ridiculed as 'Neverkusen'. To go unbeaten in a season, all but one game across all comps, I'd suggest that whole team had great mentality and character - mentality monsters.

12.) 10 Jun 2026
10 Jun 2026 05:23:11
Celery, I suspect we'll see Hato and Acheampong sharing mins, making up what ends up being a back three, with Colwill and a new CB signing.

13.) 10 Jun 2026
10 Jun 2026 13:05:47
J. Yep, when/if Alonso plays a back 3, then I can see Hato (left) and Josh (right) getting some minutes. They are both tremendous players imho - we really do have some great young players.