Bayer Leverkusen wrap up €30m deal for preferred Alejandro Grimaldo replacement | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano reports that Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement on a €30m deal for their preferred Alejandro Grimaldo replacement, Miguel Gutiérrez of Napoli. Gutiérrez is on the verge of heading to the Bundesliga after reaching a verbal agreement with Germany’s red company team.

The Serie A outfit have reportedly accepted Leverkusen’s €30m offer for the 25-year-old. Only the final formalities now appear to stand between Gutiérrez and a move to the Bundesliga. Leverkusen had already submitted an official offer for Gutiérrez as the club searched for a replacement for Alejandro Grimaldo.

Earlier reports suggested that Napoli might accept a fee between €20m and €25m. Die Werkself have evidently increased their proposal to ensure that the Spanish Olympic gold medallist joins Carles Martínez’s squad.

Leverkusen find Alejandro Grimaldo replacement

Gutiérrez will arrive as the natural attacking successor to Grimaldo, who left Leverkusen for Atlético Madrid earlier this summer.

The former Real Madrid academy player joined Napoli from Girona in August 2025 and remains under contract with the Italian champions through 2030. He made 28 Serie A appearances during his first season in Naples, registering one goal and one assist.

Gutiérrez previously established himself as one of La Liga’s most productive attacking full-backs at Girona. The Spanish defender contributed six goals and 18 assists in 113 appearances across all competitions before completing his move to Italy.

His progressive passing, crossing and ability to move into central midfield areas should make him a strong fit for Martínez’s plans.

Leverkusen had also considered Marseille defender Facundo Medina, but the Argentine possesses a more defensive profile. Gutiérrez more closely resembles Grimaldo and should provide the attacking influence the Spanish international previously supplied on the left.

An official announcement is now expected once Gutiérrez completes the remaining contractual and medical formalities.

GGFN | Peter Weis