Alejandro Grimaldo leaves Bayer Leverkusen for Atlético Madrid
Alejandro Grimaldo has left Bayer Leverkusen to join Atlético Madrid with immediate effect.
Grimaldo arrived in Leverkusen in July 2023 from Benfica and swiftly became a mainstay at the club, helping them go unbeaten in his maiden season en route to a Bundesliga and DFB Cup double.
"Bayer 04 and its fans have enriched my life right up until this summer, and I am very grateful for everything this club has given me," said the 30-year-old left-back upon confirmation of his departure.
"But now I’m fulfilling my lifelong dream of competing for trophies and titles for the first time in my home country with a top-tier team. Adiós, Bayer 04 – see you again!”
Watch: Grimaldo's best free-kicks
The Spain international, who is part of his side's squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the USA, scored 30 goals in 145 competitive appearances for Leverkusen, including 20 in 94 outings in the Bundesliga.
"Together with Alejandro Grimaldo, we experienced the most breathtaking era in Bayer 04’s history, and he was undeniably a key part of our shared success," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.
"His playing style left a lasting mark on our Werkself, and his free kicks were iconic – for that, we owe him our thanks. We now bid Grima farewell with our best wishes for his time in La Liga."
