Alejandro Grimaldo Reaffirms Ambition to Feature in La Liga Before Retirement

Key Takeaways:

• Last summer, Alejandro Grimaldo publicly expressed his ambition to play in La Liga prior to ending his career
• Grimaldo recorded 14 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen
• Despite his contributions, Bayer Leverkusen finished sixth and did not qualify for the next UEFA Champions League, exiting European club tournaments to Arsenal

Grimaldo Sets Sights on Spanish Return

Bayer Leverkusen’s influential left-back, Alejandro Grimaldo, has again made clear his aspiration to join La Liga before he retires from professional football. The Spaniard, who first announced this ambition last summer, recently reiterated his commitment to realising his dream of playing in Spain’s premier division. Grimaldo commented, “I’ve always said it: I want to return to La Liga. That’s one of my goals. I’m very happy at Bayer Leverkusen, but I’ve always said that I want to return to La Liga, and some day I will.”

⚠️ ATENÇÃO! Alejandro Grimaldo abre as portas para uma saída do Bayer Leverkusen:

— “Quero voltar à La Liga (Espanha).”

(@GonzaloPalafox) pic.twitter.com/GmQ4PslZfC

— Bundesliga Insider (@BundesInsider) June 1, 2026

Timeline and Long-Term Plans

Grimaldo previously underlined his intentions in August 2025 during an interview with Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, stating: “It doesn’t have to be this year. It could be next year. It could be in two years. It could even be in five years.” The defender, who is set to turn 31 in September, appears open about the timing of a potential move back to Spain.

On-Pitch Contributions at Bayer Leverkusen

Despite his outstanding on-field displays, including 14 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, Grimaldo’s efforts were not enough to secure Bayer Leverkusen a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The club finished sixth in the Bundesliga and exited European competition at the hands of Arsenal, who went on to reach the final.