Atlético Madrid have identified Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix García as a potential summer signing, according to reports in AS. The Spanish publication suggests that a bid of around €25 million could be sufficient to secure the 28-year-old, who still has three years remaining on his current contract with Leverkusen.
García joined Bayer Leverkusen from Girona in 2022 for a reported fee of €18 million and has become a crucial component of Xabi Alonso’s midfield. The former Manchester City youth player has consistently displayed his passing range and tactical intelligence, contributing significantly to Leverkusen’s impressive Bundesliga campaign this season. He has featured in 32 Bundesliga matches this season, starting 28 of those, and playing a key role in their title-winning season.
The interest from Atlético Madrid comes as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of next season. Diego Simeone’s side finished fourth in La Liga, and are aiming to strengthen their squad to challenge for the title next year. García’s profile, a technically gifted and tactically astute midfielder, appears to fit Simeone’s requirements.
Interestingly, García is not the only Leverkusen player attracting attention from the Madrid club. AS also reports that Atlético are monitoring left-back Alejandro Grimaldo and centre-back Ibrahim Maza. Grimaldo, formerly of Benfica, has been a consistent performer for Leverkusen since joining in 2023, while Maza is a promising young defender who has impressed in his debut season. The potential for a triple raid on Leverkusen highlights Atlético’s admiration for the Bundesliga champions’ squad.
Should García move to the Spanish capital, he would likely compete with Koke and Pablo Barrios for a starting position in midfield. The transfer would represent a significant profit for Leverkusen, who have proven adept at identifying and developing talent under Alonso’s leadership. This move could also provide Atlético with a creative spark in midfield as they look to improve their attacking output.
