Bayer Leverkusen have officially confirmed the sale of Alejandro Grimaldo to Atlético Madrid, bringing the Spain international’s three-year stay in Germany to a close. The 30-year-old returns to his homeland after playing a central role in the club’s most successful period.
Grimaldo leaves Die Werkself having secured the German double in the 2023/24 season, including a historic unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and a Europa League final appearance. Across his tenure, he featured 145 times for the club, scoring 30 goals and providing 45 assists—remarkable returns for a left-back.
Rolfes praises “iconic” contribution
Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s managing director for sport, paid tribute to Grimaldo’s influence on the team’s identity. “We have experienced the most incredible period in Bayer 04’s history together with Alejandro Grimaldo,” he said. “His playing style shaped our Werkself, his free kicks were iconic—for that we thank him.”
Rolfes confirmed the mutual respect between club and player, adding: “We now say goodbye to ‘Grima’ and wish him all the best for his time ahead in ‘La Liga’.”
“Lifelong dream” of competing in Spain
Grimaldo expressed deep gratitude for his German experience while outlining his excitement for the next chapter. “What we achieved here in Leverkusen touched football fans all across Europe. The unbeaten championship in 2024, the cup victory in the same year, and reaching the Europa League final on top of that are things I will never forget,” he stated.
The defender revealed the move fulfils a long-held ambition. “Now I am fulfilling my lifelong dream of playing for the first time in my home country with a top team for trophies and titles,” he explained. “Bayer 04 and its fans enriched my life right through this summer, and I am very grateful for everything this club has given me.”
Grimaldo joins Atlético Madrid as they prepare for the new La Liga season, with the Spanish side securing a proven winner who arrives with significant momentum following his instrumental role in Leverkusen’s domestic dominance.