Leverkusen’s flank overhaul after Grimaldo’s exit, two fullbacks in sight

With Alejandro Grimaldo’s move to Atlético Madrid creating a clear vacancy at left‑back, Bayer Leverkusen have opened a two‑front recruitment drive. The German side are now targeting a left‑back and a right‑back to restore balance, eyeing Olympique Marseille’s Argentine defender Facundo Medina and KRC Genk’s Moroccan right‑back Zakaria El Ouahdi.

Grimaldo’s transfer to Atlético Madrid left the left‑back slot vacant for Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard’s exit has forced the club to search for a replacement on the defensive flank.

Bayer Leverkusen have identified Olympique Marseille’s Argentine defender Facundo Medina as their primary candidate for the left side. The 24‑year‑old can operate as a left‑back or as a left‑center‑back, a profile reminiscent of former Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Medina is a 14‑time Argentina international and has featured in five World Cup tournaments, three as a starter and once as a substitute in the final. His experience adds a high‑level pedigree to the German side’s defensive options.

Marseille are reportedly demanding at least €25 million for Medina, who remains under contract until 2030. The French club originally secured his permanent transfer from RC Lens last summer for roughly €20 million after an initial loan.

Germany's little lesson: Argentina not a model after World Cup loss

Leverkusen believe Medina’s defensive solidity could free them to sign a more attack‑oriented player on the opposite flank. This flexibility aligns with the club’s broader recruitment plan to balance defensive stability with offensive firepower.

On the right‑back front, Bayer Leverkusen have set their sights on KRC Genk’s Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi. The 24‑year‑old is contracted with Genk until 2028.

El Ouahdi has shown considerable attacking quality in Belgium, registering 12 goals and six assists across 43 league and Europa League matches. His contributions highlight his ability to influence games offensively from the back line.

The Moroccan has earned four senior caps and appeared as a substitute during Morocco’s World Cup quarter‑final defeat to France, adding valuable continental experience to his résumé.

Bayer Leverkusen’s final decision on the left‑back position will likely dictate the type of right‑back they pursue, with a Medina signing steering the club toward a more defensively balanced full‑back pairing.