Bayer Leverkusen are considering Raphaël Guerreiro as a potential replacement for Alejandro Grimaldo, who is nearing a move to Atlético Madrid, according to Bild. Grimaldo is expected to join the Spanish side for a fee of approximately €25 million, prompting Leverkusen to swiftly seek a new option at left-back.
Guerreiro is available on a free transfer after his contract with Bayern Munich expired, making him an immediately accessible and financially attractive option for Xabi Alonso’s side. The 32-year-old Portuguese international brings a wealth of experience, having previously excelled for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, and possesses a strong left foot, mirroring the qualities of the departing Grimaldo. He has 58 caps for Portugal, and was part of the squad that won the UEFA European Championship in 2016.
Despite Guerreiro’s suitability, Bild reports that new Leverkusen head coach Carles Martínez is leaning towards a left-back with greater pace and athleticism. This preference has led the club to also explore other targets, including Arsène Kouassi of FC Lorient. Kouassi, who also plays internationally for Burkina Faso alongside Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, is reportedly valued around €20 million.
Kouassi has been a standout performer in Ligue 1, attracting interest from fellow Bundesliga clubs VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt. His potential arrival would represent a significant investment for Leverkusen, but would align more closely with Martínez’s desired profile for the position. The club’s quick response to Grimaldo’s anticipated departure demonstrates their ambition to maintain a competitive squad ahead of the new season, and the pursuit of both Guerreiro and Kouassi suggests a pragmatic approach to strengthening the left-back role.
The departure of Grimaldo will leave a void in Leverkusen’s squad, having been a key contributor to their recent Bundesliga title win. Securing a suitable replacement quickly will be crucial to maintaining their momentum and challenging for further honours.
