Atlético Madrid has formally engaged in discussions with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a potential €25 million transfer for Alejandro Grimaldo. According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, the player has already reached an agreement on personal terms with the Madrid club, accepting their project on a contract extending to 2029 with an additional year’s option.
This development marks a significant increase from Atlético’s initial interest, where earlier talks were reportedly centered on a much lower fee of €10-13 million. The accelerated pace of negotiations is attributed to Atlético pivoting their attention to Grimaldo after Marc Cucurella committed to Real Madrid, disrupting their plans for reinforcing the left-back position.
The current €25 million offer, however, falls short of Leverkusen’s reported valuation. German outlets have indicated a €30 million asking price from the Bundesliga champions, suggesting a remaining gap, albeit not an insurmountable one. While some Spanish sources have mentioned a release clause in the €18-20 million range, Leverkusen’s willingness to negotiate indicates they are not rigidly adhering to this figure.
Grimaldo joined Leverkusen on a free transfer from Benfica in the summer of 2023 and quickly became a vital component of Xabi Alonso’s title-winning team. His impressive statistics, including 14 goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances from left-back, highlight his exceptional attacking output. This performance level explains Leverkusen’s insistence on a substantial fee, despite his initial acquisition at no cost. His proficiency in set-piece situations further enhances his appeal to Atlético, given Diego Simeone’s tactical emphasis on dead-ball situations.
Leverkusen’s negotiating position is influenced by Grimaldo’s contract situation. Although his current deal runs until 2027, reports suggest the player has communicated his intention not to extend his contract. This scenario places the German club in a familiar predicament: sell the player now for a reduced fee or risk losing him on a free transfer upon contract expiry. This context has prompted Leverkusen to move from public resistance to active negotiations.
The departure of their vice-captain and a key creative force would necessitate a significant rebuild for Leverkusen. German media have pointed out that Grimaldo’s ability to deliver dangerous set-pieces and pose a goal threat from wide areas are difficult qualities to replace, making his successor a crucial element of their summer transfer strategy.
For Atlético, the pursuit of Grimaldo is part of a broader strategy of active recruitment this summer. The club has been managing significant player departures and is seeking reinforcements across various positions as part of a squad overhaul overseen by Diego Simeone. Grimaldo, with his attacking prowess and Champions League experience, would be a high-impact addition to this rebuild.
While Grimaldo is 30 years old, Atlético’s proposed contract structure, extending to 2029 with an option, suggests they are prioritizing immediate impact and peak performance over long-term resale value. The €25 million fee is also considered more manageable than other transfer possibilities explored earlier in the summer, particularly as Grimaldo’s desire to return to La Liga has limited the pool of potential suitors.
The key question remaining is whether Atlético’s formal offer is sufficiently close to Leverkusen’s €30 million valuation to secure an agreement without an extended negotiation period. Leverkusen sources have indicated a willingness to stand firm on their valuation rather than accept a significantly lower offer, even considering Grimaldo’s refusal to extend his contract and the diminishing value of his deal.
The next significant development will be whether Atlético revises its bid to bridge the gap with Leverkusen’s asking price and whether the German club decides that securing a transfer fee now is preferable to the risk of a reduced return as Grimaldo approaches the final year of his contract.
