Grimaldo joins Atlético Madrid during World Cup on four-year deal | OneFootball

Grimaldo has joined Atlético Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the third Spain international to change clubs during the World Cup after Marc Cucurella and Víctor Muñoz. The left-back had long wanted a return to Spain after a decade in Portugal and Germany.

The club said in a statement that he has signed a four-year contract until June 2030, with a fixed fee of 15 million euros. He will compete with Matteo Ruggeri for the left-back role following Javi Galán’s winter departure.

Valencia-born and about to turn 31, Grimaldo spent seven and a half years at Benfica before moving to Leverkusen. He has yet to feature at this World Cup.

He will make his top-flight debut in Spain with Atlético, having previously played three seasons in the second tier for Barça B without a first-team bow. He flourished at Leverkusen over the past three seasons, scoring 30 goals from full-back or wing-back.

Grimaldo is Atlético’s first signing for next season. Further additions are expected, with the exits of Griezmann and Lenglet already confirmed. Open files include Kang-In Lee, Nico González and Joao Gomes, while potential departures include Julián Álvarez, Giménez, Almada and Sorloth.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo