Farewell to a star player: Grimaldo leaves Bayer 04 for Atlético Madrid

“Together with Alejandro Grimaldo, we have experienced the most breathtaking period in Bayer 04’s history, and he was undoubtedly a key part of our shared success,” said Bayer 04 managing director sport Simon Rolfes. “His style of play was a defining feature of our Werkself, and his free-kicks were iconic – for that, we owe him our thanks. We now bid Grima farewell with our best wishes for his time ahead in La Liga.”

The 30-year-old left-footed player joined the Rhineland-based Bundesliga club on a free transfer from Benfica in 2023. He is now leaving Leverkusen, but not without highlighting what made this recent chapter of his career in Germany so special: “What we achieved here at Leverkusen touched football fans across Europe. I will never forget the unbeaten league title in 2024, winning the DFB Pokal in the same year and, on top of that, reaching the Europa League final,” said Grimaldo, who is currently competing for the World Cup title in North America with Spain. “Bayer 04 and its fans have enriched my life right up to this summer; I’m very grateful for everything this club has given me. But now I’m fulfilling my lifelong dream of competing for trophies and titles in my home country for the first time with an absolute top-class team. Adiós, Bayer 04 – see you again!”