Atlético opens negotiations for Alejandro Grimaldo, Leverkusen demands €10-13m

Atlético Madrid have launched negotiations to secure the services of Alejandro Grimaldo, the Spanish left-back from Bayer Leverkusen, according to transfer journalist Matteo Moretto. Leverkusen would have placed a price range between 10 and 13 million euros, a value much lower than that mentioned last year.

Transfer specialist Nicolò Schira specifies that the Colchoneros have already submitted a contract offer for the player, valid until 2029 with an option for an additional year, a sign that discussions with the player's entourage are progressing more quickly than those initiated with Leverkusen.

This is not the first time Atlético has targeted Grimaldo. Already in May 2025, Spanish media (SER, AS) had reported an interest from Madrilenians, but a request then close to €30 million from Leverkusen put an end to the negotiations. Grimaldo had also confirmed that he had been approached without the operation being successful – a context which makes the current discount notable.

The current range (€10-13 million) represents a clear decline compared to the previous posture of the German club, note the Spanish media, and would appear more economical than other avenues like Marc Cucurella. On Transfermarkt, Grimaldo's estimated value is around €20 million, which suggests that Leverkusen accepts a discount, explained in part by the length of the player's contract (until 2027): this transfer window is one of the last opportunities for the German club to obtain significant compensation before approaching the period of free movement.

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Bayer's sporting and structural situation accelerates this desire to sell. Leverkusen, sixth in the Bundesliga, will not play in the next Champions League and is experiencing a coaching transition with the arrival of Carles Martínez Novell. German media report a need for financing for a recruitment plan estimated at around €60 million, a sum that a sale could help to raise.

Several reports also mention a clause facilitating a return to La Liga for Grimaldo, with amounts mentioned between €15 and €20 million for Spanish clubs. An appreciated offensive profile for a system led by Diego Simeone, Grimaldo presents convincing statistics: 14 goals and 14 assists in 46 appearances during the 2025/26 season, and 30 goals for 45 assists in 145 matches in the Bayer jersey.

Barcelona are also monitoring the situation, potentially to compensate for a possible departure of Alejandro Balde, which leaves Atlético facing competition if the club does not materialize quickly. The player factor plays in Atleti's favor: Grimaldo would like to return to Spain, limiting the risks of blocking on the sporting side.

It now remains to be seen whether Atlético will formalize an offer within the range indicated by Leverkusen and how long the German club will take to respond, taking into account its own financial and sporting imperatives. The next decisive step will be the arrival – or not – of an official proposal capable of tipping the talks.