Dodgers Sign Former NLCS MVP, World Series Champion Eddie Rosario to Minor-League Deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to make moves in the MLB offseason.

The Dodgers have reportedly agreed to a minor-league contract with former NLCS MVP and 2021 World Series winner Eddie Rosario, according to MLB insider Ari Alexander.

Rosario, 33, is the latest in a laundry list of additions L.A. has made in the offseason, and he comes with some valuable postseason experience as the team aims to repeat as World Series champions.

The Guayama, Puerto Rico native has struggled in recent seasons, but he's less than four years removed from winning a championship with the Atlanta Braves, during which he recorded a 1.073 OPS with three home runs and 11 RBI across 16 postseason games. The Braves beat the Dodgers in the 2021 NLCS, a series in which Rosario was named MVP.

In 2024, Rosario featured for both the Washington Nationals and Atlanta, appearing in a total of 91 games. He struggled at the plate, recording a -1.6 WAR while logging a .531 OPS with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs.

The Dodgers have been MLB's busiest team during the offseason, and they're making another low-risk move by bringing Rosario aboard on a minor-league deal. Both sides will be hoping he can turn back the clock and shake off some of his recent woes at the plate.

Com bombas e incêndio, Vila Belmiro vira palco de guerra após rebaixamento do Santos

MatériaMais Notícias

A Vila Belmiro e seus arredores viraram um palco de guerra após a confirmação do rebaixamento do Santos à Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. A tensão nas arquibancadas se transformou em caos após o segundo gol do Fortaleza, marcado por Lucero.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

O árbitro Leandro Pedro Vuaden encerrou a partida mais cedo, e os jogadores do Leão do Pici desceram correndo ao vestiário pois era possível escutar barulho de bombas na parte externa da Vila. Torcedores santistas arremessaram objetos em direção ao campo e tentaram invadir o gramado.

Desolados, os jogadores do Peixe permaneceram no gramado por mais tempo e escutaram protestos e xingamentos da torcida.

+ Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão após a última rodada

A Polícia Militar usou gás de pimenta para tentar dispersar a confusão, e rapidamente os torcedores saíram do estádio em direção à Rua Princesa Isabel. A rua foi isolada pela Tropa de Choque da PM, mas torcedores do Santos entraram em confronto com policiais, atirando pedras e ateando fogo em quatro ônibus que estavam nos arredores da Vila Belmiro.

Com a cavalaria, a Polícia Militar conseguiu controlar e isolar a Rua Princesa Isabel. Mesmo assim, alguns torcedores permaneceram nas arquibancadas da Vila Belmiro.

Nathan Lyon: 'In my eyes, Jack Leach is still England's best spinner'

Australia’s greatest ever offspinner Nathan Lyon believes that left-arm spinner Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner, and says offspinner Shoaib Bashir, England’s currently injured No.1 spinner and likely Ashes tourist for 2025-26, “has been okay”.Speaking at a Cricket Australia sponsorship announcement in Sydney on Thursday, Lyon said former England seamer James Anderson had revealed to him that Bashir had been selected to try and replicate what Lyon does in Australia. But Lyon believes Leach is still the best spinner England has.”I obviously played with Jimmy Anderson last year at Lancashire, and they basically said that they’re picking Bashir to do what I do,” Lyon said. “So I took a little bit of pride out of Jimmy respecting a little bit of what I’ve been able to do in my career. But Bashir has been okay.Related

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“Jacob Bethell is playing this Test match [at The Oval against India], and he looks like he’ll take up the spin bowling from Liam Dawson. But in my eyes, Jack Leach is still their best spinner.”Leach, 34, has not played for England since last year’s tour of Pakistan, where he had a modest series compared Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who spun Pakistan to victory in the final two Tests. Leach’s return of 16 wickets at an average of 31.43 and a strike rate of 50.75 in three Tests in that series were still well ahead of Bashir’s nine wickets at 49.55 and 79.44, respectively.England have since committed to Bashir as the No.1 spinner across their last three series – against New Zealand, Zimbabwe and India. When he suffered a series-ending finger injury in the Lord’s Test of the ongoing series against India, Liam Dawson returned as England’s sole spinner for the fourth Test in Manchester after eight years in the Test wilderness. Dawson has since been left out for the fifth and final Test at The Oval, with England picking four fast bowlers as well as Jacob Bethell as a part-time left-arm spin option in place of Dawson.Leach took 6 for 63 in his most recent outing, for Somerset against Durham at Taunton, in what turned out to be a two-day game on a pitch that was described as “appalling” by Ian Botham. Leach is currently the fourth-leading wicket-taker, and the leading spinner, in division one of the County Championship this season, with 39 wickets at 24.76, including two six-wicket hauls.Jack Leach played three Tests on the last Australia tour in 2021-22•Getty Images

Leach played three Tests in Australia on the 2021-22 Ashes tour, taking just six wickets at 53.50, and was left out of the final Test in Hobart. Instead, England picked four seamers in a pink-ball game where Lyon did not bowl a single delivery as Australia won inside three days.Bashir, meanwhile, was sent on the England Lions tour of Australia earlier this year to play three four-day games against Cricket Australia (CA) XI and Australia A, although none of them was played at Test venues.He returned match figures of 2 for 91 and 1 for 109 in the two fixtures against the CA XI in Brisbane. Against Australia A in the unofficial Test at Cricket Central in Sydney, which the Lions lost by an innings, Bashir got 1 for 74 in the only innings he bowled.Lyon himself was left out of Australia’s most recent Test match, against West Indies in Jamaica, as the selectors opted for four quicks in a pink-ball game that ended inside two-and-a-half days. But he believes spinners will have their share of role to play in the Ashes in Australia despite the pitches being very seam-friendly in recent years.”It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said. “But I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here. Our guys know how to play spin really well in this country. That’s probably what helped me produce my skill to where it is at the moment. I know I’ll keep trying getting better, and we’ll see how their spinners go.”

Man City ready bid for Vinicius Jr as feelings at Real Madrid are revealed

Manchester City are said to be preparing for Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior, but rivals Manchester United are also among the clubs battling to sign him from the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian is one of the best wingers in world football currently, becoming a superstar at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Carlo Ancelotti heaping praise on him during their time working together.

“Right now, I think he is the most decisive player in the world. Everything he does is a dribble away from a defender, an assist or a goal, and he does it for the full 90 minutes – he just never stops.”

His current situation at Madrid isn’t necessarily the happiest, however, and journalist Guillem Balague has explained why there is some friction with Xabi Alonso.

“The manager has insisted Vinicius will not finish every game, that he needs to rest more, and Rodrygo will challenge him for a place on the left side of the attack. Xabi Alonso’s stance is rooted in authority and planning. Vini Jr, used to being indulged, has found it hard to adapt.”

Man City preparing offer for Vinicius

Now, a report from Spain claims that Manchester City are preparing a bid for Vinicius, with Premier League rivals United and Chelsea also in the mix to sign him.

There is apparently “no apparent intention to renew” his current contract, with Pep Guardiola’s side waiting to pounce and complete a stunning piece of business. He reportedly “doesn’t feel valued as he expected” at the Bernabeu, leading to “mounting tensions” emerging.

It goes without saying that the idea of Vinicius in a City shirt is an incredible prospect, given his status as one of the best footballers on the planet.

The 25-year-old possesses remarkable natural talent and skill, but most importantly, he backs that up with strong end product, bagging 64 goals and 44 assists in 217 appearances for Madrid.

Vinicius has also netted eight times for Brazil, and will likely be one of the star attractions at next summer’s World Cup, with former England international Owen Hargreaves lauding him last year.

“His finishing is crazy. His decision-making in front of goal is amazing. He looked very angry in the second half. I don’t know what Carlo [Ancelotti] said to him, but if he plays like that, he’s definitely unstoppable. We saw those clips there – four or five bodies around him, and they can’t even deal with him.”

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This would be a disaster.

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If City were able to pair Vinicius with Haaland in their attack, it would make for stunning viewing, and he has the ability to be a future Etihad great if a move does materialise.

Pep can make Haaland even better by unleashing Man City's "proper maverick"

Leeds willing to sell Joel Piroe in January for "difference-making" signing

Leeds United would sanction the exit of striker Joel Piroe in January on the condition they can make a “difference making” forward signing.

The Dutchman was a key figure for the Whites last season, helping them seal promotion to the Premier League from the Championship, scoring 19 league goals and producing some big moments along the way.

Piroe has found it harder to play a pivotal role back in the top flight, however, with the jump up in quality of defences significant, and only three starts coming his way in all competitions.

The 28-year-old is also still searching for his first goal or assist of the 2025/26 campaign, highlighting the difficulties he has faced in terms of making an impact.

Daniel Farke is finding it difficult to give Piroe the playing time that he craves so much, which could potentially pave the way for an exit in the January window, whether that be on loan or permanently.

Leeds could look to seal "difference-making" signing

Writing for The Athletic, Beren Cross admitted that Piroe is unlikely to leave Leeds in January, but that they would be more open to an exit if they seal a “difference-making” replacement.

Leeds are sure to be conflicted about Piroe’s future, considering he isn’t an important player currently, but does provide good squad depth in attacking, should injuries arise as the season goes on.

The former Netherlands Under-20 international is also a player who Farke has spoken so glowingly about in the past, too, even describing him as a “world-class” footballer.

Joe Piroe’s international stats

Caps

Goals

Netherlands Under-21s

4

1

Netherlands Under-20s

13

8

Netherlands Under-18s

4

0

Netherlands Under-16s

2

1

Netherlands Under-15s

3

0

It feels as though Piroe is far more likely to still be a Leeds player after January than move on, but if the latter does happen, it will be intriguing to see who the Whites move for.

Update now shared from Leeds on move to re-sign former Elland Road loanee

Could a January move be on the cards?

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 1, 2025

It would need to be an upgrade on their current attacker, in order to justify his exit, enhancing their hopes of remaining in the Premier League for another season.

How many players earn more money than Piroe at Leeds?

Chelsea now looking to sign "outstanding" £168k-a-week CB who's won 11 trophies

Chelsea are now looking to sign an “outstanding” experienced centre-back who’s won 11 trophies, having struggled defensively at times this season.

Blues fall to ninth after Sunderland setback

Enzo Maresca has been forced to contend with a number of injury problems already this season, with the manager particularly light on options in defence, given the absence of Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, who are both set to be out for quite some time.

Colwill is a long-term absentee, having suffered an ACL injury in the summer, while Maresca has confirmed Badiashile won’t be back for another couple of months, saying: “Benoit will be out until December. He is injured again with a muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, showing how good he is, and we will wait for him.”

That said, the manager is still likely to be concerned by just how susceptible his team have been to conceding chances, with Nottingham Forest missing four big opportunities and hitting the woodwork last weekend.

The Blues got away with it against Forest, but Sunderland made them pay on Saturday, with the Black Cats emerging as 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge, which means the hosts have fallen to ninth in the Premier League table.

As such, Maresca may need to bolster his backline if Chelsea are to transform into title contenders, and they are now looking to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, who is facing an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena.

That is according to a report from CF Bayern, which states the west Londoners want to sign Upamecano in 2026, at which point his contract with the German club will have expired, having been unable to agree a new deal.

Chelsea now join race to sign "hugely impressive" £70m Champions League forward

A new forward has emerged as a target for the Blues.

ByDominic Lund Oct 26, 2025

With the Blues potentially looking to offload ‘bomb squad’ member Axel Disasi, a new centre-back could be brought in to replace him, and the Bayern defender has been identified as a target, although there could be competition from Real Madrid.

"Outstanding" Upamecano could be exactly what Maresca needs

Jamie Carragher has made it clear just how much he disagrees with BlueCo’s recruitment policy of signing young players, saying: “Chelsea should be title contenders and considered Champions League challengers this season. Instead, their hierarchy seems content to be praised for being the smartest recruiters in the business – the world’s richest development club.”

In fairness, while Chelsea did win the Club World Cup in the summer, the model is yet to translate to success in the Premier League, and more experienced players are arguably needed if they are to become title contenders.

As such, the “outstanding” France international, as lauded by Joshua Kimmich, could be exactly what they need, given that he is experienced at the top level, winning 11 major trophies throughout his career, and the 27-year-old’s passing ability indicates he could be an ideal fit in a Maresca system.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Passes attempted

89.32 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

93.4% (96th percentile)

Progressive passes

6.39 (95th percentile)

The £168k-a-week star’s potential availability on a free transfer is an added bonus for Chelsea, who clearly need greater strength in depth at the back, given that 19-year-old Josh Acheampong has emerged as a regular starter.

Wolves strike deal to appoint ex-defender Rob Edwards as new manager after Middlesbrough reject initial approach

Wolves have reportedly struck a deal to appoint former defender Rob Edwards as their new manager after Middlesbrough rejected their initial approach. The Molineux-club parted ways with Vitor Pereira, whose nightmare reign ended with a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Fulham. Wolves have turned to a man who has been one of their own, and the appointment is a sort of homecoming for Edwards.

  • Edwards suspended as talks begin

    Wolves' approach immediately sparked chaos in Teesside. Middlesbrough initially rejected Wolves’ overtures, furious that the Premier League side had come knocking for their head coach so soon after his appointment. Subsequently, Edwards was stood down from his managerial duties ahead of Boro’s Championship clash with Birmingham. He didn’t take training and was notably absent from his pre-match press conference, which was abruptly cancelled. Hours later, Middlesbrough issued a statement confirming they had reluctantly granted Wolves permission to speak to Edwards. 

    A club statement read: "Middlesbrough Football Club have, subject to the completion of an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves. We initially rejected an approach from Wolves on the basis that Rob signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months ago.

    "Following discussions with Rob we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak with Wolves regarding their head coach vacancy. We have now agreed terms with Wolves, subject to the completion of the relevant paperwork. First team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling, and Academy manager Craig Liddle, will take charge of team affairs for Saturday’s game against Birmingham City at the Riverside."

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    Boro accuse Wolves of misconduct

    Middlesbrough’s frustration, however, didn’t end there. According to , senior figures at the club believe Wolves breached Premier League conduct rules in their pursuit of Edwards.

    “Unfortunately, Wolves have behaved at a standard less than we expect and we believe their conduct is in breach of Premier League regulations”, a club source told the news outlet.

    Ex-Ireland defender Tony Cascarino was also furious with Edwards and said: "To jump ship and go to Wolverhampton Wanderers after what? We're through 10 games now in the Premier League. I think I'd want to see it through at Boro. I always felt like if I signed a contract, I wasn't going knocking on doors to try and get away. I never asked for a transfer in my career. And I think if you're a manager, how can you just jump ship? You know, just leave. When you're asking players to be loyal and stay at a football club and we're on a journey, and then suddenly this journey changes because you've been offered a job…"

  • Edwards’ deep roots at Molineux

    Edwards is no stranger to Wolves. Between 2004 and 2008, he made 111 appearances for the club as a reliable defender before returning years later as a coach. He first joined the youth setup in 2014, working with the Under-18s, before rising through the ranks to assist the senior side and eventually manage the Under-23s. His reputation as a bright young coach was cemented during his spell at Forest Green Rovers, where he masterminded promotion to League One in 2021. A short-lived stint at Watford followed, but his true managerial breakthrough came at Luton Town. Against all odds, Edwards led the Hatters to Premier League promotion in 2023. 

    Even as speculation swirled this week, Edwards tried to play down the rumours linking him to his old club. 

    "You know my links to the club [Wolves]," Edwards said. "But my full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job, and trying to turn things around. Speculation is hard for me to comment about. We've done a decent job so far. It's all speculation anyway. I never get drawn on stuff that's all hypothetical and I don't want to get drawn on that.

    "I love being Middlesbrough manager and that's what I want to think about. All I can say is I've not given it a single thought because my focus is just on this. It's all the stuff that my daughter was telling me about."

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    A titanic task ahead for Edwards

    Wolves’ situation is dire. Rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, nine points adrift of safety, they look like a club in freefall. Interim head coach James Collins will oversee Saturday’s daunting trip to Chelsea, which is their final fixture before the international break and likely the last game before Edwards takes over. For the new manager, the mission is immense. He inherits a broken squad short on belief and ravaged by inconsistency. But if his past triumphs at Forest Green and Luton taught anything, it’s that he thrives in adversity.

What Liverpool are prepared to do to sign Schlotterbeck as key demand emerges

Searching for a much-needed centre-back, Liverpool are now reportedly prepared to take a key step towards their attempt to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund.

Their chase to sign the Bundesliga defender comes as no surprise. Arne Slot was left with little choice but to play Andy Robertson centre-back in an attempt to rest both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate against Crystal Palace. The season-ending injury to Giovanni Leoni left the Reds with just three senior centre-backs and only compiled their current misery.

Things could have been so different had they signed Marc Guehi, of course, but those at Anfield now face a battle to land his signature for free next summer. Missing out on the Crystal Palace star a year on from coming within hours of securing his arrival would be an undeniable blow.

Six defeats in seven games have exposed Liverpool’s defensive problems so soon after missing out on Guehi in the summer and they must find a solution in 2026.

What certainly doesn’t help is the contract situation of Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman is yet to sign a new deal and is on course to leave Anfield as a free agent in the summer. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk will be into the final year of his deal at the same time – sparking a potential crisis for the Reds.

Preparations are seemingly underway for such a scenario, with names such as Dayot Upamecano recently mentioned as reported targets, but replacing both Konate and Van Dijk would almost be an impossible task.

Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano

One player who holds similar attributes to Van Dijk, however, is Schlotterbeck. The Dortmund defender has caught Liverpool’s eye and Michael Edwards is now ready to take a key step towards his signature.

Liverpool preparing to match Schlotterbeck demand

As reported by Bild in Germany and relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are now prepared to match Schlotterbeck’s wage demands.

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The Reds desperately need another central defender.

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The 25-year-old has reportedly rejected Dortmund’s €8m-a-year (£7m) contract offer and wants to earn in the region of €14m-a-year (£13m) instead, which would be up from his current €5m-a-year (£4m) deal.

That’s something that the German club are yet to match, but something that Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are ready to hand the defender.

Money talks on the European stage and Liverpool will hope that proves true in the summer as Schlotterbeck continues to impress.

League stats P90 25/26

Schlotterbeck

Van Dijk

Minutes

450

810

Progressive Passes

7

6.22

Successful Aerial Duels

1.60

5.11

Ball Recoveries

5.60

2.33

Whilst there will be concerns over Schlotterbeck’s struggles in the air, his passing range more than makes up for that. Completing seven progressive passes per-90 so far this season, the Dortmund star would solve Liverpool’s build-up problem almost instantly.

Described as “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Liverpool should go all out for Schlotterbeck in 2025. Not only is he good enough to replace Konate, but he could even become their Van Dijk heir in the coming years.

Why Arne Slot was left stunned in Liverpool press conference before Aston Villa

What Frank has "already planned" for Schade with Paratici "working" on Tottenham deal

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is apparently making plans for the possible arrival of Brentford forward Kevin Schade as new co-sporting director Fabio Paratici works on a deal behind-closed-doors.

The 23-year-old, who was signed by Frank in a £22 million deal from SC Freiburg just over two years ago, has gone on to seriously impress at the G-tech Community Stadium.

Schade initially joined on loan in January 2023, but after Brentford made his stay permanent, the German sought to repay their faith.

While he missed almost the entirety of his full debut campaign with a hip adductor injury, Schade fired back to full form and fitness in 2024/2025 — bagging 12 goals and three assists in all competitions under Frank whilst playing in every single Premier League match for them.

The former Bundesliga sensation is already off the mark and running for Keith Andrews’ new-look Brentford side this season too, and he’s now attracting serious attention from N17.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently, Tottenham are among the teams keeping close tabs on Schade, and the Germany international is “one to watch” this season with his contract expiring in under three years.

Frank’s obvious tie with Schade from their time together at Brentford has also led to speculation that Spurs could try their luck at a January deal.

This is now backed up by an intriguing update via CaughtOffside and journalist Mark Brus, who shared what Frank has now got in mind for Schade at Tottenham.

What Frank has "already" planned for Schade at Tottenham

Quoting multiple sources of his, Brus claims that Frank has “already planned how he’d slot into the system” for Spurs, with another source reporting “Paratici is working behind the scenes” on a deal.

Another source adds that Tottenham see Schade as the “perfect profile” to come in and bolster Frank’s attacking options.

However, this all being said, the Bees are known to be stubborn negotiators and have placed a £48 million price tag on the forward’s head as we slowly enter 2026.

Frank, amid his wave of injury problems, still has Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison yet to return, and once they come back, it’ll be difficult to see where Schade could fit in given their current wide options.

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

8.26

Brentford 3-2 Liverpool

8.00

Brentford 2-2 Chelsea

7.35

Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa

7.31

Brentford 3-1 Man United

7.03

via WhoScored

Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus also stand out among their crop right now, with Mikey Moore also to return from his loan spell at Rangers at the end of the season.

Spurs arguably have more pressing matters to deal with, like their potential need for a reliable striker.

Paratici and co-director Johan Lange have been linked with a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney or Juventus star Dušan Vlahović amid the uncertainty surrounding Richarlison’s future and Dominic Solanke’s fitness woes.

That being said, if Frank is indeed already making plans to slot Schade into his Spurs setup, the Dane appears to be serious.

Bayern Munich ready to steal from their rivals again as Bundesliga giants step up interest in Bayer Leverkusen star being tracked by Real Madrid and Barcelona

Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign in-form left-back Alejandro Grimaldo from their Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports from Germany. The Spanish international has been enjoying great form in recent years and was linked with a return to Spain over the summer, but eventually opted to stay with Die Werkself for another year.

Bayern ready to poach one of Leverkusen's biggest stars

Bayern have already started planning for the 2026-27 season and beyond by shortlisting one of the most impactful full-backs in the Bundesliga and Europe for next summer. According to a report from German publication , the reigning German champions have set their sights on Grimaldo, who is currently plying his trade for Bayern's Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen. The report claims that the 30-year-old left-back's name is being mentioned "more and more frequently" in Bayern's offices at Sabener Street, with the club having already begun to monitor him. 

It remains to be seen whether the move will materialise. Bayern Munich only extended left-back Alphonso Davies’ contract until 2030 earlier this year, signalling the club’s confidence that the dynamic Canadian international can fully recover from his long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and rediscover the form that defined his breakout, treble-winning 2019–20 season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGrimaldo's unfulfilled dream of a return to Spain

Over the summer, reports strongly suggested that Grimaldo would call curtains on his Bayer Leverkusen career – which began in 2023 – by marking a return to Spain. Speculation indicated that he would reunite with former Bundesliga-winning Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso, who signed a three-year deal with 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid. With Ferland Mendy, who played a pivotal role in Madrid's Champions League and La Liga double successes in 2021-22 and 2023-24, dealing with recurring injury issues, and Fran Garcia not nearly convincing enough to seal his spot in the starting lineup despite being impressive at the Club World Cup. Ultimately, they opted to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, with the €50 million (£44m/$58m) signing enjoying a brilliant start to the season. 

On the other hand, there were also rumours of a return to his former club Barcelona, with media reports indicating a strong possibility of the defending La Liga champions triggering his cut-price €18m (£16m/$21m) release clause. The Catalans wanted to reinforce the defensive depth, but financial constraints prevented them from making any move.

"There was always the possibility of going with Xabi, but in the end it didn't happen," Grimaldo said back in October. "They signed Carreras. There was also the possibility of going to Barcelona, which also didn't happen. You have to face the challenge of being here with a lot of motivation. There are always options, things are talked about. But if they don't happen in the end, it's because they weren't meant to be.

"Atletico is the same; there have been talks, but practically nothing has happened. In the end, in the transfer market, when left-backs are needed, they talk to agents and there may be a possibility, but it hasn't happened."

Leverkusen keen on renewing Grimaldo's contract

Despite missing out on a return to his homeland, the 30-year-old Spaniard has continued to be one of the shining lights for the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions. He has become a deadly free-kick taker and is currently Leverkusen's top scorer in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals in 15 games along with four assists as well. 

“I did think about a transfer. But in the end, I told myself: I’m staying. And that’s the right decision,” he told in September, before adding: “I thought to myself: at least one year here will do me good, so I’ll enjoy this season and give everything.”

According to a report from earlier this season, Die Werkself are determined to renew Grimaldo's contract, which expires in June 2027. Next summer, there could be a strong possibility of the La Masia graduate seeking greener pastures. However, Leverkusen want to keep hold of Grimaldo for the long term, especially after seeing him emerge as a leader within the dressing room following a mass exodus of players in the summer.

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Getty Images SportBayern ready to part ways with Raphael Guerreiro

There is immense uncertainty surrounding the future of Portuguese international Guerreiro at the Allianz Arena, who has entered the final year of his deal with expires next summer. reported in October that his future was recently a point of discussion among the club's hierarchy, but no final decision was reached. Bayern's higher-ups believe it's too early to hold any discussions over the versatile left-back's future, with the season having only begun three months ago. 

Even though there's a possibility of the 31-year-old leaving Bayern for free, the club is not worried about not receiving a transfer fee. There is interest from Serie A giants Juventus, but Bayern would rather wait until the end of the season before reaching any conclusion.

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