Bayer Leverkusen complete Miguel Gutiérrez transfer
Bayer Leverkusen have filled the void left by Alejandro Grimaldo's move to Atlético Madrid by signing fellow Spanish left-back Miguel Gutiérrez from Napoli.
The Spain international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal until the summer of 2031 after making 36 competitive appearances last season.
"Miguel Gutiérrez is a skilful, attack-minded defender who is a good fit for our team," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Miguel is a great footballer - he's exactly who we wanted for this position."
Prior to joining Napoli last summer, Gutiérrez made 112 appearances for Girona, having also featured 10 times at senior level for boyhood club Real Madrid.
Although primarily a left-back, the Spaniard is equally comfortable in a more advanced role, much like Grimaldo, who made the left flank his own during a memorable three-year spell at the BayArena.
Gutiérrez is the latest arrival at Leverkusen following the signings of Portuguese winger Afonso Moreira and German talent Kennet Eichhorn, as well as the appointment of Spanish head coach Carles Martínez.
"Leverkusen have an excellent reputation in Italy and also in my home country of Spain," said Gutiérrez. "I've heard a lot about the Bundesliga and watched a few games, and I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere in German stadiums.
"Above all, though, I always want to be successful - both at club and international level. Bayer Leverkusen, and the great team they have here, give me the best conditions to do that."
