Bayer Leverkusen have registered their interest in Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría, according to reports from Radio Marca, as they begin to consider options to replace Alejandro Grimaldo. The Bundesliga champions are reportedly inquiring about the transfer fee for the 28-year-old, who played a significant role in Rayo Vallecano’s run to the UEFA Europa Conference League final last season.
Chavarría is currently under contract with the Madrid-based club until 2030, featuring a release clause of €25 million. While the release clause represents a fixed price, sources suggest Leverkusen are prepared to negotiate a potential transfer fee directly with Rayo Vallecano should the opportunity present itself. The Spaniard established himself as a consistent performer for Rayo Vallecano, contributing both defensively and in attack during their successful European campaign.
Leverkusen’s pursuit of Chavarría comes as they anticipate the departure of Grimaldo, who has been linked with a move away from the BayArena following a successful season. Grimaldo was instrumental in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win, providing a consistent threat from left-back. Finding a suitable replacement is therefore a priority for manager Xabi Alonso.
However, Leverkusen are not alone in their interest in Chavarría. Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Brentford are also monitoring the situation, potentially leading to a competitive transfer battle. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen are also considering Raphaël Guerreiro, who will become a free agent when his contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the month, as a potential alternative. Guerreiro offers a wealth of experience and a proven track record at the highest level.
The potential arrival of Chavarría or Guerreiro would bolster Leverkusen’s squad depth ahead of their commitments in the Champions League next season, ensuring they remain competitive on multiple fronts. Leverkusen will be looking to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a consistent force in European football.
