Leverkusen (Germany), May 15 (AP): Europa League semifinalist Bayer Leverkusen will sign Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season, the German club said Monday. The 27-year-old Spaniard was a key presence in Benfica's run to the quarterfinals of the Champions League before a 5-3 aggregate loss to Inter Milan last month. Ajax’s Eredivisie 2022–23 Match Against Groningen Abandoned After Fans Throw Smoke Bomb on Pitch.

Leverkusen's managing director for sport Simon Rolfes said the club's “ambitious concept for the coming years” had played a role in convincing Grimaldo to sign.

Leverkusen faces Roma in the second leg of their Europa League semifinal on Thursday. Roma has a 1-0 lead from the first leg. Espanyol Fans Storm Into Pitch, Chase Barcelona Players Amid La Liga Title Celebrations (Watch Video).

Leverkusen is seventh in the Bundesliga after rising up the table in the second half of the season under coach Xabi Alonso, who was hired in October with the team second from last. (AP)

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