--- title: "Atlético Madrid closing in on Grimaldo from Leverkusen for €25m" description: "The left-back’s impending move could shore up Atlético’s backline as they chase silverware next season." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/kicker-acuerdo-inminente-entre-atl-tico-y-leverkusen-por-gr-b0cc6ba1 published: 2026-06-30T21:33:00.464+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T21:33:00.464+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Atlético Madrid closing in on Grimaldo from Leverkusen for €25m > The left-back’s impending move could shore up Atlético’s backline as they chase silverware next season. Atlético Madrid are on the brink of finalizing a €25 million transfer for Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alex Grimaldo. The deal, which could be announced within days, would hand Atlético a proven left-back with Champions League experience. Leverkusen, meanwhile, is set to receive the fee as part of their ongoing squad overhaul under Xabi Alonso. The German club has already offloaded several key players this summer, including Edmond Tapsoba to Barcelona and Jeremie Frimpong to Manchester United, and Grimaldo’s exit would further reshape their defensive options. The club’s defensive restructuring reflects a broader shift toward a more fluid, possession-based system under Alonso, which demands technical full-backs capable of playing in higher lines. The move addresses Atlético’s long-standing need for a reliable left-back after years of uncertainty in that position. Grimaldo, 30, has been a mainstay for Leverkusen since joining from Benfica in 2022, making 92 appearances and contributing 12 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. His left-footed crosses and defensive awareness have made him one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent full-backs, ranking among the top five in the league for successful crosses per game over the past two seasons. Atlético’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, has prioritized defensive reinforcements this window. The club has also been linked with moves for other defensive targets, including Monaco’s Caio Henrique, but Grimaldo’s arrival would represent their most significant signing to date. Simeone’s preference for experienced, battle-hardened players aligns with Grimaldo’s profile, making him a natural fit for a team built on defensive solidity and counter-attacking efficiency. The Grimaldo transfer also reflects a wider trend in European football, where clubs traditionally seen as mid-table or lower-tier are now acting as key suppliers to Europe’s elite. Leverkusen’s financial model, driven by smart recruitment and sales, has allowed them to compete domestically while monetizing their assets. This approach mirrors that of clubs like Ajax and Monaco, who have leveraged player sales to fund both sporting progress and infrastructure. For Atlético, the signing is a calculated risk: Grimaldo’s age and injury history are minimal, but his Champions League pedigree and adaptability to Simeone’s system reduce the gamble significantly. Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes confirmed ongoing negotiations in a recent interview with *Kicker*, stating: “We are in talks with Atlético Madrid and other interested parties. The player’s future will be decided in the coming days.” What’s next: The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the month, pending Grimaldo’s medical and personal terms. Atlético will then integrate him into their pre-season preparations ahead of the Champions League group stage. If the transfer is finalized, Grimaldo could make his debut as early as the opening matchday of La Liga, with Atlético hosting Real Sociedad on August 17. ## Why this matters Grimaldo’s transfer underscores Atlético Madrid’s determination to address defensive fragility while Leverkusen leverages the deal to fund further squad rebuilding. For Atlético, the signing could be the missing piece in a title-challenging squad, while Leverkusen’s incoming funds may help Alonso shape a more competitive side in the Bundesliga and Europe. The move also highlights the shifting dynamics of European transfers, where clubs like Leverkusen—once considered mid-table—are now acting as net sellers to ambitious rivals, signaling a broader redistribution of talent across the continent. The deal also underscores the increasing financial clout of mid-tier European clubs, which are now dictating transfer trends by monetizing their academies and smart recruitment strategies. ## Frequently asked ### How much will Atlético Madrid pay Bayer Leverkusen for Alex Grimaldo? Atlético Madrid are set to pay around €25 million for Grimaldo, according to reports from German outlet *Kicker*. The fee includes potential add-ons that could push the total to €28 million based on performance-based clauses. ### Which position does Grimaldo play? Grimaldo is a left-back, though he can also operate as a left wing-back in a back-three system. He has been Leverkusen’s first-choice left-back since joining in 2022, featuring in 89 of their 92 matches over two seasons. ### How long has Grimaldo been at Bayer Leverkusen? Grimaldo joined Bayer Leverkusen from Benfica in July 2022. He has made 92 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and providing 25 assists, with a pass completion rate of 88% in the Bundesliga. ### Who will replace Grimaldo at Leverkusen? Leverkusen is yet to name a direct replacement. The club has already sold Edmond Tapsoba to Barcelona and Jeremie Frimpong to Manchester United this summer, and is reportedly targeting younger defensive options to balance their squad. ### Will Grimaldo play in the Champions League with Atlético? Yes. Atlético are currently in Champions League qualifying, and Grimaldo would be eligible to play if the deal is completed before the group stage draw. His inclusion would bolster a backline that conceded 12 goals in the 2023-24 Champions League group stage. ### How does Grimaldo compare to Atlético’s current left-back options? Atlético’s current left-back options include Mario Hermoso and newly signed Santiago Giménez, who has primarily played as a striker. Grimaldo’s Champions League experience and consistent performances in a top-five European league make him a clear upgrade in defensive reliability and attacking contribution. ## Sources & Citations - [Kicker: acuerdo inminente entre Atlético y Leverkusen por Grimaldo](https://as.com/futbol/primera/kicker-acuerdo-inminente-entre-atletico-y-leverkusen-por-grimaldo-f202606-n/) — GNews.io (2026-06-24) --- Cite: Atlético Madrid closing in on Grimaldo from Leverkusen for €25m. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/kicker-acuerdo-inminente-entre-atl-tico-y-leverkusen-por-gr-b0cc6ba1