Spain international Grimaldo signs for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid on Tuesday confirmed the signing of Spain international left-back Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year contract until the end of June 2030.

Phillipp Mwene (R) of FSV Mainz 05 vies with Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the German first division Bundesliga football match between FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Mainz, Germany, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

The 30-year-old, who is currently at the World Cup with Spain, began his career with FC Barcelona, but left for Benfica in 2016 without making a senior appearance, before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.

He had a year left on his contract after scoring 30 goals and laying on over 40 assists for the German club.

"Atletico is one of the biggest clubs in Spain," Grimaldo said. "My goal was to return to Spain in this summer transfer window. My agent knew where I wanted to go. My first wish was to go to Atletico, and it's happened."

Three players with the Spain squad have swapped clubs during the World Cup, with Marc Cucurella moving from Chelsea to Real Madrid and winger Victor Munoz leaving Osasuna to join Liverpool.