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."



Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
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Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the world’s first organized desert polo tournament, will return to AlUla from January 17 to 18, 2025, offering a spectacular celebration of top-class sport, culture, and equestrian heritage.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village within the stunning surroundings of the ancient oasis city.
"This tournament has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar, showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines our region,” said Chief Sports Officer at the RCU Ziad AlSuhaibani.

“We look forward to continuing to inspire, connect, and elevate the global appreciation of equestrian sports, while aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030's goals of enhancing cultural tourism and offering world-class sporting experiences in the Kingdom,” he added.
Richard Mille is returning as the title sponsor of the event, underscoring the brand’s commitment to excellence in sports and events as well as reinforcing its partnership with this one-of-a-kind polo tournament.
The two-day event will feature a blend of world-class polo, history, heritage, and glamour, making it an unmissable occasion on Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar.
Some of the top players in global polo are set to participate in the tournament, including Argentine world-famous polo player Adolfo Cambiaso, founder and captain of La Dolfina Polo Team.
Joining Cambiaso in AlUla will be his son Adolfo "Poroto" Cambiaso and his daughter Mia Cambiaso. Other notable players include Nacho Figueras – dubbed the “David Beckham of polo” – and Pablo Mac Donough. Additionally, more professional female players will again participate after their debut at the 2024 tournament.
The event will feature six teams of three players, comprising one professional, one international patron, and one dignitary. Two days of action-packed matches will see the teams battle for the prestigious Desert Polo trophy.