Leverkusen have flourished under Spanish coach Xabi Alonso since he took over in October last year, leading them from 16th to seventh in the league with two games remaining, and with a shot at a Europa Conference League spot.

They are also through to the Europa League semifinals where they face AS Roma in the second leg this week after losing 1-0 in Italy.

The 27-year-old Grimaldo, a product of Barcelona’s youth system who also played for the Spanish club’s reserves, had been at Benfica since 2016. He joins Leverkusen as a free agent.

“Alejandro Grimaldo is a speedy and skilled fullback who is tactically very versatile,” said Leverkusen sports director Simon Rolfes. “He is a threat in front of goal and has a lot of experience and quality.”

“We are happy that we could convince Alejandro of our long-term ambitious concept.”