Kicker Report: Leverkusen seek to acquire Alejandro Grimaldo on a free
Germany's preeminent footballing publication reports that SL Benfica Lisbon's Ajeandro Grimaldo tops Bayer 04 Leverkusen's list for an upgrade at the left fullback position.
The Spaniard, along with Dortmund's Raphäel Guerreiro and Gladbach's Ramy Bensebaini, is one of three left-backs in European football with a €20 million market value that sits on an expiring contract.
The Spaniard, along with Dortmund's Raphäel Guerreiro and Gladbach's Ramy Bensebaini, is one of three left-backs in European football with a €20 million market value that sits on an expiring contract.
| Alejandro Grimaldo | Sport Lisboa e Benfica |
The former Spanish youth international will be available on a free this summer as he sits on an expiring contract. With an estimated market value of €20 million, the 27-year-old is among the most valuable left backs in the world. Germany's red company team are reportedly proceeding with negotiations.
Bayer can nevertheless expect competition, not least from within the Bundesliga. It remains common knowledge that two other German top tier sides are preparing to let their valuable left backs depart on free transfers. Borussia Dortmund (Raphaël Guerreiro, €20 million) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (Ramy Bensebaini, €20 million) are also on the market.
Leverkusen themselves may wish to offload left-back Mitchell Bakker now that head-coach Xabi Alonso has switched his basic tactics to a back-four and plugged Piero Hincapie in at left back over the Dutchman. A bit of "musical chairs" at this particular position appears set to take place in the summer.