Alejandro Grimaldo joins Atlético Madrid until 2030

Alejandro Grimaldo has been announced as Atlético Madrid's first signing for the 2026/27 season, with the Spanish international signing a contract until June 2030. The left-back arrives from Bayer Leverkusen after the club missed out on Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid earlier in the window Source: abc.es; lavanguardia.

The transfer

The fee is reported inconsistently: abc.es states €15 million, while Infobae claims over €20 million Source: abc.es; infobae. El Mundo reports a fixed sum of €15 million plus up to €8 million in variables Source: elmundoes, and El Español mentions around €20 million fixed with performance bonuses Source: elespanol. Grimaldo confirmed he wanted to return to Spain and that Atlético was his first choice Source: lavanguardia.

The player

Grimaldo, 30, is described by the club as a "versatile left-back able to play as a wing-back, interior, or even attacking midfielder" with strong technique and vision Source: elconfidencial; elmundoes. He was a key figure in Leverkusen's 2023/24 double-winning season under Xabi Alonso, contributing 30 goals and 45 assists in 145 appearances Source: infobae (EFE). Grimaldo will compete with Mateo Ruggeri for the left-back spot Source: elmundoes.

What's next

Grimaldo is currently with the Spanish national team at the 2026 World Cup. Regarding the ongoing situation with Julián Álvarez, he said: "I don't want to enter the debate, I don't know what's happening" Source: lavanguardia.