Alejandro Grimaldo
30-Year-Old
Atlético Madrid
La Liga
2026 Fantasy Outlook
Grimaldo returns to Spanish football with Atletico Madrid this summer, signing from Bayer Leverkusen after another productive Bundesliga season in which he scored eight league goals and added eight assists, with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. An elite attacking left-back and a set-piece specialist, he offers exactly the kind of output that makes a defender a fantasy asset, and if manager Diego Simeone gives him license to attack he could be one of the best-value defenders in La Liga. The caveats are adapting to Simeone's more conservative system, which may rein in his forward runs, and settling into a new league. Even so, his dead-ball threat alone gives him appeal. He is a high-upside defender worth targeting, with genuine goal and assist potential rare for the position.
Signs for Atletico until 2030
Grimaldo has joined Atletico Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen on a contract until June 2030, the club announced.
ANALYSIS
Grimaldo made 145 appearances for Leverkusen since joining in 2023, scoring 30 goals and providing 45 assists, playing a key role in the club's historic Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double in 2023/24 as well as their UEFA Europa League runner-up finish and German Super Cup triumph the following season. Grimaldo previously spent seven and a half seasons at Benfica after progressing through Barcelona's academy, making 303 appearances and winning four league titles along with three Portuguese Super Cups, a domestic cup and a league cup. The versatile defender, who can also operate as a wingback, interior midfielder or attacking midfielder, won Euro 2024 with Spain and is currently representing his country at the World Cup, where he hopes to add another major international title to his collection.
Grimaldo made 145 appearances for Leverkusen since joining in 2023, scoring 30 goals and providing 45 assists, playing a key role in the club's historic Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double in 2023/24 as well as their UEFA Europa League runner-up finish and German Super Cup triumph the following season. Grimaldo previously spent seven and a half seasons at Benfica after progressing through Barcelona's academy, making 303 appearances and winning four league titles along with three Portuguese Super Cups, a domestic cup and a league cup. The versatile defender, who can also operate as a wingback, interior midfielder or attacking midfielder, won Euro 2024 with Spain and is currently representing his country at the World Cup, where he hopes to add another major international title to his collection.
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Set Pieces / Depth Chart
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More Fantasy News
Inefficient in service
Grimaldo recorded three shots (one on goal), 14 crosses (two accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Hamburger SV.
ANALYSIS
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Sets up late insurance goal
Grimaldo had an assist while taking two off target shots, crossing five times (one accurate), creating six chances, making three interceptions and five tackles (winning two) during Saturday's 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.
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12 crosses against Augsburg
Grimaldo recorded six shots (zero on goal), 12 crosses (eight accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against FC Augsburg.
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Nets brace Saturday
Grimaldo scored a goal while taking six shots (four on goal), crossing 12 times (four accurate) and creating four chances during Saturday's 6-3 win over Wolfsburg.
ANALYSIS
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Assists twice in 3-3 draw
Grimaldo assisted twice to go with seven crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-3 draw against FC Heidenheim.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Barcelona interested once again
Barcelona have re-ignited their interest in signing Grimaldo, according to Mundo Deportivo.
ANALYSIS
Bayer Leverkusen are dismantling ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong leaving the club and now Grimaldo looking set to depart as well. Grimaldo would be a clear upgrade over Alejandro Balde at left-back, and his potential arrival would fill a much-needed void for Barca on a long-term basis.
Bayer Leverkusen are dismantling ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong leaving the club and now Grimaldo looking set to depart as well. Grimaldo would be a clear upgrade over Alejandro Balde at left-back, and his potential arrival would fill a much-needed void for Barca on a long-term basis.