Alejandro Grimaldo has been announced as a new player of Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on social media and their website.
- Grimaldo joins Bayer Leverkusen
- Left Benfica on a free transfer
- Rejected move to FC Barcelona
What is the news?
Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Spanish defender Alejandro Grimaldo from Benfica. The defender will join the club on a free transfer, following his expired contract at the Portuguese giants. The 27-year-old joined Benfica in 2016 and decided to leave the club on a free transfer. At Leverkusen Grimaldo has signed a multi-year deal. By signing for Leverkusen, the Spanish defender has rejected a move back to Barcelona, who were reportedly interested in bringing the left footed defender back to the club.
Statement by Grimaldo:
On the official Leverkusen website, 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. ”
Story continues under the tweet
🤔 Wer könnte das sein…?#Werkself | #Bayer04 pic.twitter.com/EMMsheSuy1
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) May 15, 2023
The backstory
Grimaldo spent the most part of his youth in the academy of FC Barcelona and in order to find first team football he decided to join Benfica in January 2016 in a deal worth 2.5 million euros. Playing for the Portuguese giants he then managed to make 301 senior appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 65 assists. During his stay at Benfica, Grimaldo managed to win three league titles, one Portuguese Cup and three Super Cups.
