Leverkusen Sign Defender Grimaldo from Benfica on Four-Year Deal

Benfica's Spanish midfielder Alex Grimaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese League football match between Portimonense SC and SL Benfica at the Portimonense Municipal stadium in Portimao on May 13, 2023. (AFP)
Benfica's Spanish midfielder Alex Grimaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese League football match between Portimonense SC and SL Benfica at the Portimonense Municipal stadium in Portimao on May 13, 2023. (AFP)
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Leverkusen Sign Defender Grimaldo from Benfica on Four-Year Deal

Benfica's Spanish midfielder Alex Grimaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese League football match between Portimonense SC and SL Benfica at the Portimonense Municipal stadium in Portimao on May 13, 2023. (AFP)
Benfica's Spanish midfielder Alex Grimaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese League football match between Portimonense SC and SL Benfica at the Portimonense Municipal stadium in Portimao on May 13, 2023. (AFP)

Bayer Leverkusen have signed former Spain youth international Alejandro Grimaldo for next season on a four-year deal, the Bundesliga club said on Monday.

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 semi-finals 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 full back 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."



Keys, Osaka to Play at Queen’s Club Championships 

Japan's Naomi Osaka takes part in a press conference after losing her women's singles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2024. (AFP) 
Japan's Naomi Osaka takes part in a press conference after losing her women's singles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2024. (AFP) 
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Keys, Osaka to Play at Queen’s Club Championships 

Japan's Naomi Osaka takes part in a press conference after losing her women's singles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2024. (AFP) 
Japan's Naomi Osaka takes part in a press conference after losing her women's singles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2024. (AFP) 

Australian Open champion Madison Keys and four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka will feature when women's tennis returns to Queen's Club for the first time since 1973 with a WTA 500 event in June, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) said on Tuesday.

British number one Katie Boulter, former US Open winner Emma Raducanu and Eastbourne defending champion Daria Kasatkina are also lined up for the WTA 500 tournament.

"I'm thrilled to confirm Katie, Emma, Madison and Naomi will be headlining the Championships in June," tournament director Laura Robson said.

"Fans will see some of the best female players on the planet, and with three Grand Slam champions and the British number one in the mix, it promises to be a spectacular return to The Queen's Club for women's tennis."

The event at the iconic Queen's Club will be held in the first week of the grasscourt season -- a week before the men's tournament -- in the lead-up to Wimbledon.