Leverkusen coach Martinez remains tight-lipped on Grimaldo speculation | OneFootball

Having been appointed just over ten days ago following his departure from French side Toulouse, Martinez is already facing questions regarding the future of one of Leverkusen’s most influential players.

In an exclusive interview with BILD, the 42-year-old was asked whether he had told Grimaldo he wanted him to remain at the club amid persistent transfer speculation.

“Grima is a top player, and not just now or since last year, but for many years already,” Martinez said. “He’s at the World Cup right now, and transfer rumours around a player like that are normal. You have to know that things can change quickly on the market.

“Grima is a great guy and a leader. He helps Bayer 04 both as a player and as a personality. I asked him if everything was going well with the national team. And of course, I told Grima that I’m really looking forward to working with him here.”

While Martinez’s comments highlighted his admiration for the Spanish international, they stopped short of offering any guarantees over Grimaldo’s future.

After contributing eight goals and eight assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances last season, the 30-year-old remains one of Leverkusen’s most important players. It is therefore no surprise that the club would be keen to keep hold of him.

However, with Martinez acknowledging how quickly situations can change in the transfer market, speculation surrounding a potential move to Atlético Madrid is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.