Alejandro Grimaldo will continue his career at Atlético de Madrid after reaching an agreement to join from Bayer Leverkusen, marking the Spanish full-back’s return to La Liga after an impressive two-year stint in Germany that culminated with the historic unbeaten Bundesliga title.
The 29-year-old from Valencia completed his medical examinations in the Spanish capital this week and put pen to paper on a long-term contract, ending weeks of speculation in the Spanish sports press. Sources close to the negotiation, cited by Marca and AS, confirmed the deal includes a release clause in line with Atlético’s recent transfer policy.
Grimaldo departs Leverkusen having registered 10 goals and 17 assists across 67 appearances in all competitions, numbers that transformed him into one of Europe’s most productive full-backs. His 14 direct goal contributions in the 2023-24 Bundesliga season helped Bayer complete an extraordinary domestic double without losing a single league match, a feat that hadn’t been achieved in German top-flight history.
The Spanish defender arrived at the BayArena in 2023 after leaving Benfica, where he had developed his reputation as an attacking left-back during seven seasons in Lisbon. His trajectory from Valencia’s academy through Benfica’s Estádio da Luz to the German champions represents a journey that has earned praise from Mundo Deportivo, which described him as “one of the most complete Spanish defenders of his generation.”
Atlético’s pursuit of Grimaldo reflects the club’s strategic shift under their current sporting project. The colchoneros have struggled to find consistency in the left-back position since the departures of Filipe Luís and later Mario Hermoso, cycling through several options without establishing a clear starter. Grimaldo’s arrival provides that certainty, combining defensive solidity with the offensive output that manager Diego Simeone demands from his wide players.
The transfer also carries significant symbolism for Spanish football’s global reputation. Grimaldo joins a growing contingent of La Liga veterans returning from abroad, bringing Bundesliga experience back to Spain’s top division. His ability to play both as a traditional full-back and in a wing-back system offers tactical flexibility that should integrate well with Atlético’s evolving approach.
During his time in Germany, Grimaldo faced and contained some of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, including Bayern Munich’s stars in crucial title-deciding encounters. That defensive resilience, combined with his creative instincts, addresses the balance Atlético has sought between protecting their famous defensive structure and adding more attacking dimension to their play.
The deal reportedly costs Atlético around €30 million plus variables, a significant investment that demonstrates the club’s ambition despite financial constraints that have characterized recent transfer windows. Sporting director Andrea Berta, who has rebuilt much of the first-team squad over recent seasons, identified Grimaldo as the missing piece for their backline following injuries and inconsistent performances in the position last campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, moved quickly to replace their departing star, announcing the signing of Afonso Moreira from Lyon just hours after Grimaldo’s departure was finalized. The Portuguese full-back represents Die Werkself’s continued investment in young talent, following their successful model of developing players after losing key contributors.
For Grimaldo, the move represents both a professional opportunity and a homecoming of sorts. While he never played in La Liga previously, his Spanish roots and familiarity with the country’s football culture should accelerate his adaptation. Several members of Atlético’s current squad, including international teammates, have already welcomed him to the Wanda Metropolitano.
Looking ahead, Grimaldo’s immediate focus will be on earning a starting spot during pre-season training. Atlético begins their La Liga campaign in mid-August, leaving limited time for integration. However, his track record suggests a quick adjustment should be expected, having demonstrated throughout his career the ability to adapt to new environments rapidly.
The upcoming season will test whether Atlético’s redesigned squad can challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona at the summit of Spanish football. Grimaldo’s addition strengthens their defensive options while providing additional quality in attacking phases, potentially the upgrade needed to narrow the gap with Spain’s traditional giants. If the Spanish full-back maintains his Leverkusen form, Atlético fans have every reason to anticipate significant contributions from their newest signing.