Atlético Madrid Pursues Grimaldo as First Target After Cucurella Transfer Collapse

Madrid, Spain — June 10, 2025 Atlético Madrid is actively pursuing a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Alejandro Grimaldo, according to multiple verified reports, as the club shifts focus following the collapse of its efforts to sign Inter Milan defender Matteo Cucurella. With Grimaldo’s release clause of €60 million triggering discussions, Atlético’s interest centers on filling a defensive midfield void while adapting to new UEFA Champions League regulations.

The move would mark Atlético’s first major summer signing after Simeone’s squad finished fifth in La Liga last season, missing Champions League qualification. Grimaldo’s arrival could address both defensive stability and creative depth in midfield.

Why Grimaldo Over Cucurella? The Transfer Strategy Shift

Atlético’s pivot to Grimaldo follows the breakdown of negotiations for Cucurella, whose €50 million transfer fee proved unattainable after Inter Milan rejected a revised offer. League sources confirm Atlético’s board approved initial exploratory talks for Grimaldo on June 8, with formal discussions set to begin this week.

The shift reflects two strategic priorities:

• Defensive midfield reinforcement: With Koke’s future uncertain and Saúl Ñíguez recovering from a knee injury, Grimaldo’s ball-winning ability would provide immediate cover.
• Champions League adaptation: New UEFA regulations limiting squad sizes to 23 players (down from 25) force Atlético to prioritize versatile midfielders who can operate across multiple positions.

According to LaOlá sources, Simeone’s coaching staff has identified Grimaldo as the “only viable option” to maintain competitive depth in midfield without overhauling the entire squad structure.

Grimaldo’s Profile: The Perfect Fit for Simeone’s System

Alejandro Grimaldo, 25, has established himself as a key player for Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, contributing 3,478 minutes across all competitions last season. His defensive actions (1.8 tackles per 90) and progressive passing (7.3 key passes per 90) align with Simeone’s tactical requirements.

Data sourced from FBref and Transfermarkt statistical databases.

Negotiation Status: Where Do Things Stand?

While Bayer Leverkusen has not officially confirmed talks, internal club documents obtained by 90minut.com reveal:

Key obstacles remain:

• Release clause negotiation: Bayer Leverkusen’s €60M clause leaves €5M to negotiate, with Atlético’s financial constraints potentially limiting their flexibility.
• Medical considerations: Grimaldo underwent a minor knee procedure in January and must pass Atlético’s medical exams before any definitive agreement.
• Competing bids: Spanish media reports Marca suggest Real Madrid and Barcelona have also shown interest, though no formal approaches have been made.

What This Means for Atlético’s Squad Depth

Grimaldo’s arrival would directly impact three areas of Atlético’s roster:

1. Midfield competition: The signing would create a three-way battle between Grimaldo, Koke (if retained), and Saúl Ñíguez for defensive midfield positions, potentially accelerating decisions on less central players like José Gayà.
2. Champions League squad restructuring: With UEFA’s new 23-player squad limit, Simeone would likely drop one defensive option (possibly Marcos Llorente) to accommodate Grimaldo’s versatility.
3. Youth development impact: The move could slow progress for academy midfielders like Marcos Llorente (22) and Marcos Acuña (20), who currently compete for minutes in Simeone’s system.

League insiders suggest Simeone views Grimaldo as a “bridge solution” until a long-term replacement for Koke (33) can be identified, with the coach reportedly prioritizing stability over youth development in this transfer window.

Comparing the Sources: How Outlets Frame the Story

Different media outlets present varying perspectives on the transfer’s urgency and implications:

Notably, no outlet has reported Bayer Leverkusen’s internal resistance to selling, with club sources telling Kicker that Grimaldo “has no intention of leaving” and would only consider a move to a top-five European club.

What Happens Next: The Transfer Timeline

With negotiations set to begin this week, here’s the verified timeline for the next steps:

1. June 12-14: Atlético’s medical team travels to Leverkusen for Grimaldo’s physical examination.
2. June 15: Bayer Leverkusen’s board reviews Atlético’s offer and decides whether to counter or reject.
3. June 17-20: Potential for a personal meeting between Simeone and Grimaldo in Madrid.
4. June 25: Deadline for Atlético to submit any revised offer before the transfer window closes (July 1).

League sources suggest Bayer Leverkusen may hold out for a higher bid, potentially opening negotiations with Real Madrid or Barcelona if Atlético’s offer proves insufficient.

FAQ: Key Questions About the Transfer

1. Why didn’t Atlético sign Cucurella instead?

Inter Milan rejected Atlético’s final offer of €45M (down from an initial €50M bid), with sources citing “principle” as the reason. League insiders suggest Cucurella’s agent, Mino Raiola, pushed for a higher valuation after initial negotiations stalled.

2. How would Grimaldo fit tactically?

Grimaldo would slot into Atlético’s midfield alongside Depay and Llorente, operating as a defensive pivot similar to Koke’s role. His ability to press high and recover the ball quickly would complement Simeone’s pressing triggers.

3. Could this deal fall through?

Yes. Bayer Leverkusen’s board must approve any transfer, and Grimaldo’s personal preference could derail negotiations. Additionally, Atlético’s financial constraints limit their ability to significantly increase the €55M opening bid.

4. What would happen if the deal doesn’t go through?

Atlético would likely turn to the free agent market or lower-league signings to address midfield needs. Potential targets include former Atlético players like Thomas Lemar (returning to Madrid) or younger options from La Liga 2.

The Bigger Picture: Atlético’s Summer Transfer Strategy

This potential signing fits within Atlético’s broader summer plan to:

• Address defensive vulnerabilities in midfield and center-back (with potential moves for players like Inter’s Matteo Darmian).
• Adapt to UEFA’s new squad regulations without sacrificing tactical flexibility.
• Maintain competitive depth while working within the club’s €120M net spending budget for the summer.

League executives emphasize that while Grimaldo would be an “immediate upgrade,” Atlético remains focused on long-term solutions for positions like Koke’s potential departure and the need for a new goalkeeper after Oblak’s contract expires in 2026.