Alejandro Grimaldo will join Atlético Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen today in a deal worth around €20 million, according to Fabrizio Romano. The transfer brings to an end weeks of negotiation between the two clubs, with personal terms between Grimaldo and Atlético having been agreed upon previously.
The reported fee represents the guaranteed fixed element of the transfer, with some Spanish outlets suggesting the final figure including add-ons could reach €23 million. German sources, including Sky Germany and Bild, had initially indicated a potential total of €25 million, factoring in performance-based bonuses. The clubs have reached full agreement and are now processing the formal aspects of the transfer, though a public announcement is anticipated shortly.
Leverkusen had initially set an internal valuation of around €30 million for Grimaldo, reflecting his importance to their 2023-24 Bundesliga title win and his contract which ran until 2027. Atlético’s opening offer was considerably lower, and the final fee reflects Leverkusen’s acceptance that Grimaldo would not extend his contract beyond 2027, diminishing his long-term value. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro and sporting director Simon Rolfes travelled to Madrid to finalize the deal, demonstrating the club’s commitment to securing the best possible outcome.
Grimaldo’s arrival addresses a need for a dynamic left-back in Diego Simeone’s system at Atlético, with his crossing ability, set-piece delivery, and capacity to contribute in attack aligning with the manager’s tactical preferences. He has signed a contract through 2029, with an option for an additional year, signalling a long-term investment by the club. Atlético had previously explored a move for Marc Cucurella but turned to Grimaldo after Real Madrid entered the race for the Chelsea defender.
For Leverkusen, the transfer represents a significant profit on a player who arrived on a free transfer from Benfica in 2023. While they conceded from their initial €30 million valuation, they avoided the risk of his market value decreasing as he entered the final year of his contract. The player’s desire to return to Spain also played a role in Leverkusen’s willingness to negotiate. The next step for Atlético will be the official announcement and Grimaldo’s unveiling, potentially freeing up resources to pursue further midfield additions.
