Fulham & Juventus target Alejandro Grimaldo set to join Bayer Leverkusen

Benfica full-back Alejandro Grimaldo is on the verge of moving to Bayer Leverkusen, reports Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Bundesliga giants have reached an agreement over a free transfer while the player has completed the medical tests.

Grimaldo stated earlier that he was uncertain about his future at Benfica, putting the suitors on high alert.

Borussia Dortmund, OGC Nice, Valencia, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Real Sociedad were also interested, but Leverkusen have won the race for his signature.

The Spanish left-back has been one of the mainstays for Benfica since 2016, making more than 200 appearances while also establishing himself as one of the best players in Europe at his position.

Grimaldo was part of the Benfica side that won the Portuguese league title in 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2018/19.

He has been instrumental in Roger Schmidt’s side topping the league table this season, racking up four goals and eight assists.

Grimaldo has also been the subject of constant interest from his former club Barcelona, but the La Liga giants haven’t made any concrete offers due to the presence of Alejandro Balde and Jordi Alba.

The 27-year-old is set to work with his compatriot and manager Xabi Alonso at Bay Arena.

Grimaldo will compete with Mitchel Bakker for the left wing-back spot in Alonso’s 3-4-3 set-up.

Alonso has worked wonders with Die Werkself in his debut managerial season in Germany, transforming them into one of the most dangerous sides in the Bundesliga and leading them to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

The Spanish gaffer will look to raise the bars moving forward, and more high-profile signings are targeted in the summer.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been linked with a return to Bundesliga, with Leverkusen eyeing a surprise move for him.

The Swiss international’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in the summer of 2024, and there hasn’t been any positive development in the renewal talks.