Atlético Madrid Close to Signing Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen
Atlético Madrid signing Alejandro Grimaldo is close.
Atlético Madrid are close to signing Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 30-year-old has been one of Diego Simeone’s main targets this summer as they seek to bolster their left side. This week, talks have been stepped up between the two clubs, and it is now thought that a breakthrough is close.
The player has agreed all the terms of his transfer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, and Atlético are in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee.
“Atlético Madrid are close to getting deal done for Alejandro Grimaldo. Agreement 100% done on personal terms, Grimaldo says yes to Atléti project. Atléti now in talks with Bayer Leverkusen to seal the deal for fee over €10m.” — Fabrizio Romano
Grimaldo has been a standout attacking left-back in recent years in Europe, not only for his attacking play but also his technical ability and set-piece delivery. His arrival would be a major improvement and experience boost for Atlético’s defence.
The deal is expected to be completed in the coming days as Atlético continue to rebuild their team ahead of the new La Liga season under Simeone.
The La Masia Graduate Who Had to Leave
Alejandro Grimaldo’s story is a familiar one in Spanish football: a La Masia talent who had to leave Barcelona to become a star. Born in Valencia on 20 September 1995, he joined Barcelona’s famed academy in 2008 after starting out in Valencia’s youth system.
He rose so quickly that in September 2011, aged just 15 years and 349 days, he made his debut for Barcelona B in the Segunda División, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in Spain’s second tier. He went on to make 92 appearances for the reserves, already showing the attacking instincts of a modern full-back, but the step up to the first team never came.
In December 2015, Benfica took him to Portugal, and it was in Lisbon that Grimaldo became the complete player he is today. Over seven and a half seasons he made more than 300 appearances for the Portuguese giants and won four league titles, developing into one of Europe’s most productive defenders.
The move to Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 changed everything. Under Xabi Alonso, Grimaldo became one of the most dangerous wing-backs on the continent, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions as Leverkusen went unbeaten to win the Bundesliga and the German Cup in 2023/24.
His dead-ball delivery became famous across Germany. Six of his goals over three seasons at Leverkusen came directly from free-kicks, and his corners caused constant problems. That form earned him a senior Spain debut in November 2023, and he has remained part of the national team setup ever since, even featuring in Spain’s World Cup squad.
Why Simeone Wants Him
On paper, Grimaldo is exactly the profile Atlético Madrid have been missing. Diego Simeone’s side have long been built on defensive solidity, but their left flank has lacked a consistent attacking outlet. Grimaldo, a natural wing-back, offers width, crossing quality and a genuine goal threat from deep.
His set-piece ability is another major asset. Atlético have not had a left-footed dead-ball specialist of his quality in recent seasons, and Grimaldo’s delivery from corners and free-kicks could turn tight, low-scoring matches in their favour.
There is also valuable versatility. Grimaldo has said himself that he is comfortable playing higher up the pitch as a winger when needed, which gives Simeone tactical flexibility in games where Atlético are chasing a result.
With more than 300 appearances for Benfica and three seasons of Champions League football with Leverkusen behind him, he also brings the kind of big-match experience that Atlético’s squad needs as they compete on multiple fronts.
At this stage of his career, he is a finished product: a defender who defends first but changes games going forward. For a team that often wins by fine margins, that combination is priceless.
Atlético Madrid signing Alejandro Grimaldo: What Happens Next
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Grimaldo has already agreed personal terms with Atlético, with only the fee with Bayer Leverkusen left to settle. If the two clubs find an agreement, the medical and official announcement should follow quickly.
Once through the door, Grimaldo would be expected to compete for the starting left-back spot immediately. His experience as a wing-back also makes him a natural fit for Simeone’s occasional back-three systems, where his attacking licence would be even greater.
For Leverkusen, losing a player of his output would be a significant blow, though the German club have a strong record of reinvesting transfer income wisely. For Grimaldo, a return to Spain after a decade abroad would complete a remarkable journey, from the teenager who left La Masia to one of the most productive defenders in European football.
Atlético’s need is clear. As they chase their ambitions at home and in Europe, fine margins decide seasons, and a player who can deliver goals, assists and set-piece quality from left-back is exactly the kind of signing that turns draws into wins.
The timing also suits all parties. With the season underway and the squad taking shape under Simeone, adding a proven, ready-made starter rather than a prospect fits Atlético’s habit of recruiting players who can contribute from day one.
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