A key reinforcement after Grimaldo's departure

Bayer Leverkusen officially announced the arrival of Miguel Gutiérrez, a 25-year-old left-back from Napoli. The deal was closed for around 26 million euros, and the player signed a contract for five seasons. His signing aims to fill the vacancy left by Alejandro Grimaldo, who moved to Atlético de Madrid.

From success in Napoli to the German challenge

In his only season in Italy, Gutiérrez played 36 matches with Napoli, contributing one goal and one assist, as well as six clean sheets. His performance was key for the team to finish second in Serie A and lift the Supercoppa Italiana. Among the club's defenders in 2025-26, he stood out as the second in chances created (26), fourth in tackles won, and sixth in individual duels (97).

The player himself expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge: "The club has impressed me a lot in recent years; Bayer 04 has an excellent reputation in Italy and also in my country, Spain. I have heard a lot about the Bundesliga, I have watched matches, and I am looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of the German stadiums. Above all, I want to be successful, both domestically and internationally. Bayer Leverkusen, with its fantastic squad, gives me the best conditions to achieve it," he declared on the official site.

Gutiérrez aims to shine in the Bundesliga and Europe

The Spaniard has already joined the preseason with his new teammates, where they will face Sevilla, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United. The official debut will be on August 22 in the DFB-Pokal against Wehen, and a week later they will start the Bundesliga against the newly promoted Elversberg.

With this addition, Leverkusen strengthens a key area of the defense and aims to maintain the competitive level that established it as one of the most solid teams in Germany.

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