Report of high pain threshold
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This article first appeared on Transfermarkt at 2:42 p.m. and has been updated with new information.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo had repeatedly flirted with a return to Spain, and it could actually happen this summer. According to “Marca”, Atlético Madrid is working on a transfer for the 30-year-old. The left-back is said to have come back into focus at Rojiblancos after the originally envisaged Marc Cucurella option could not be realized. The 27-year-old is moving from Chelsea to Real Madrid.
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Grimaldo is now seen as the best alternative to his teammate in the Spanish national team, and discussions between the player side and the club are said to have deepened in recent days. And the professional seems willing to give in to Atlético’s advances. The “Kicker” also writes that the Colchoneros have agreed with Grimaldo on a move in the summer. The veteran has also already informed those responsible at Leverkusen about his acute transfer request.
According to the Marca report, the former FC Barcelona youth player does not have the defensive qualities of Cucurella, but he is not said to be that expensive either. The Royals are letting the Blues professional cost 55 million euros, while Grimaldo should be available for around 12 million euros a year before the end of the contract. The German magazine thinks that what the Bayer bosses clearly think is not enough. There is talk of a pain threshold in the region of 30 million euros, from which there is no intention to move away. Bayer even wanted an extension for Grimaldo, which he rejected. In principle, the Bundesliga club will also accept a free transfer in 2027 if no appropriate offer is received.
Grimaldo has been toying with returning to Spain for a long time
It is reported from Spain that his older age is not an obstacle for Atlético to sign him, as Grimaldo is seen as an immediate reinforcement with his experience. Another thing that speaks for Grimaldo is his offensive strength, especially when he is used as a left-wing player. In 145 games for the Werkself, he contributed 30 goals and 45 assists. In the last Bundesliga season there were eight, making him one of the top 15 best scorers.
“I’m almost 30 years old and I’d like to try out Spain, play in my home country,” Grimaldo said in the past. His dream for the future is to be active in his home country. Although he was trained at FC Barcelona, he was never used for the Catalans’ professionals. At the beginning of 2016 he moved to Benfica. After more than seven years, the standard specialist went to Leverkusen on a free transfer. In his first season he won the DFB Cup and the championship with Bayer 04.