Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo this summer, and the Spaniard could be a big upgrade on Hugo Bueno in Julen Lopetegui's side.

Could Wolves sign Grimaldo?

According to Football Insider, Wolves, Leeds United and Newcastle United are all keen on signing the 27-year-old on a free transfer this summer, when his contract at the Estadio da Luz expires.

Lopetegui currently has Rayan Ait-Nouri and Jonny as senior options at left-back in his squad, although he has preferred the 20-year-old Bueno on a number of occasions since his arrival at Molineux.

While it could be tough to compete with an ever-progressing Newcastle side, as well as fellow interested party Real Madrid, there is no doubt that adding a player of Grimaldo's quality on a free transfer would represent superb business by Wolves this summer as they look to put the current disappointing campaign behind them.

Would Grimaldo be better than Hugo Bueno?

After breaking into the first team under Steve Davis during his caretaker spell in charge last autumn, Bueno has continued to catch the eye under Lopetegui.

In total, the Portuguese defender has made 13 appearances in the Premier League, in which he has contributed no goals and one assist, averaging a solid if unspectacular 6.54 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Meanwhile, Grimaldo has enhanced his reputation as one of the top left-backs outside of the traditional big five European leagues, contributing two goals and six assists in the Portuguese top flight, averaging a remarkable 7.52 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He has also averaged more tackles (2.1 vs two), interceptions (one vs 0.6) and dribbles (1.1 vs 0.6) per game than Bueno this season, which suggests that he is not just an upgrade from an attacking perspective.

Benfica director Tiago Pinto was full of praise for Grimaldo back in 2021, saying: "For me, Grimaldo is one of the best five left-backs in Europe. Many Benfica players are ready to, some day, play in a world-class team. Grimaldo is good enough to play for any side right now."

Journalist Rafeal Brayan also suggested that it is "amazing" that the 27-year-old is still at Benfica, considering the form that he has shown in Portugal in recent years, so it would certainly be a coup for Wolves if they could bring him in on a free transfer.

Considering that the Spaniard has experience in the Champions League and at the top level with a Portuguese powerhouse in Benfica, it would hard to claim that Wolves would be better off putting their faith in a relatively untested youngster such as Bueno.

Therefore, Lopetegui must do everything in his power to convince Grimaldo to complete a free transfer to Molineux this summer.