Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Spanish left-back Alejandro Grimaldo on a free transfer from Benfica.
The 27-year-old will sign a contract at Leverkusen until 2027. On his move to Germany, Grimaldo said: “It is an exciting challenge. I played for seven years at a top European club, but it just excites me to show my strengths in the Bundesliga.
“For me, it is one of the best leagues in Europe, and in terms of the ambience and the atmosphere in the stadiums, certainly unique. The fact that a Bundesliga club like Bayer 04 has tried for me makes me very proud. I am sure that we will experience a fantastic time together.”
Sporting director Simon Rolfes also commented on the signing of the left-back: “Alejandro Grimaldo is an agile, very strong full-back, tactically very well versed. He is goal-dangerous and has a lot of experience and class. We are pleased that we were able to convince Alejandro of our ambitious concept for the coming years.”
The 27-year-old will be an upgrade on current left-back Mitchel Bakker who will likely be demoted to backup. While current backup left-back Daley Sinkgraven is set to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires. The arrival of Grimaldo will also mean Piero Hincapié can move back to his more natural position, centre-back.
Grimaldo will suit the system that Xabi Alonso has employed at Leverkusen and will offer a wealth of attacking quality going forward as well as a threat from set pieces.
The Spaniard joined Benfica in 2016 from Barcelona for €2.1m. During his seven-year spell in Portugal, Grimaldo made 301 appearances scoring 26 and assisting 65. The 27-year-old has won the Portuguese league three times and has assisted Benfica in getting to the Champions League quarter-finals this season.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
