Atlético Madrid are facing a potential impasse in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, with the German club demanding a €30 million transfer fee, according to Kicker. The 28-year-old Spaniard has already agreed personal terms with the Madrid outfit, but a significant gap remains between the two clubs’ valuations.
Atlético are reportedly prepared to offer between €10 million and €12 million for Grimaldo, a figure that Kicker states is considerably lower than Leverkusen’s asking price. The Bundesliga side are holding firm on their €30 million valuation and appear unwilling to negotiate substantially downwards. This stance suggests Leverkusen are confident in Grimaldo’s worth and potentially open to retaining his services if their financial demands are not met.
Grimaldo joined Leverkusen in 2021 from Benfica, where he had established himself as a consistent performer over five seasons. He quickly became a key player for Xabi Alonso’s side, contributing significantly to their Bundesliga title win last season with his attacking prowess and defensive solidity. He featured in 35 Bundesliga matches last season, providing eight assists and solidifying his position as one of the league’s top left-backs.
Atlético’s interest in Grimaldo stems from their need to strengthen the left side of their defense, following a season where they finished fourth in La Liga. The club is undergoing a period of transition under Diego Simeone, and Grimaldo’s experience and attacking capabilities would represent a valuable addition to the squad. However, Leverkusen’s firm stance could force Atlético to explore alternative options or risk missing out on their primary target.
Kicker reports that Leverkusen are prepared to keep Grimaldo even if they cannot agree on a fee with Atlético, potentially risking losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer. This demonstrates the club’s confidence in the player’s continued contribution and their unwillingness to be undervalued in the transfer market. The situation remains fluid, and further negotiations are expected in the coming weeks, but a compromise will be necessary for the transfer to materialize. This deal could significantly strengthen Atlético’s defense, while Leverkusen would need to find a replacement for a key player in their title-winning squad.
