Leverkusen Signs Grimaldo from Benfica on a Four-Year Contract

Bayer Leverkusen, belonging to the German Bundesliga, announced on Monday the signing of Spanish defender Alejandro Grimaldo for four years starting next season. Grimaldo (27 years old), who came through Barcelona's youth teams, has been with Benfica since 2016 and will join Leverkusen on a free transfer. Leverkusen is enjoying a successful period under Spanish coach Xabi Alonso since his appointment last October, leading the team from 16th to 7th place with two rounds remaining in the competition, and they have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Leverkusen also reached the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League, losing 1-0 away against Roma in Italy. Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, remarked that "Alejandro Grimaldo is a fast and talented full-back who can play in several tactical styles. He is dangerous in front of goal and possesses enormous experience and great efficiency," adding, "We are happy to have convinced Alejandro of our ambitious long-term project."