New 30-Million-Euro Defender Arrives: Gutiérrez Joins Leverkusen
Leverkusen – The deal is through. On Tuesday, left-back Miguel Gutiérrez (25) will undergo a medical check at Bayer Leverkusen. After that, he will join the training camp with his new team on the pitch. The Spaniard comes for up to 30 million euros from SSC Napoli and will be the successor of Alejandro Grimaldo (30), who moved to Atlético Madrid for 25 million euros.
The Leverkusen squad is taking shape, but now one star player is preparing to leave.
Palacios Considering Move Away
Exequiel Palacios (27) is considering a move away from the club. The Argentine international has let it be known through his agent that he is thinking about a transfer. His preferred destination is the Premier League, where last season Ipswich Town made an inquiry. However, this does not sit well with the vice world champion. He sees himself in England at one of the top clubs.
There are currently no offers from this category. Therefore, Leverkusen's sports director Simon Rolfes (44) says: 'We remain relaxed and have a long-term contract.' Palacios is bound until 2030. But Rolfes confirms: 'There is also interest in him this year.' The club wanted to avoid a major overhaul this summer and Palacios counts among the mainstays of the squad. No one at Bayer is irreplaceable, however.
Rolfes Ready for Sale
'So we only do something if we can improve,' says Rolfes. In clear terms: If the release fee is right and Leverkusen gets a new top player in the central midfield, Palacios can go. The release fee should exceed 40 million euros.
That Palacios could move to RB Leipzig is considered unlikely at Leverkusen. Last season there were speculations about interest from the Champions League participant. But Bayer has internally decided not to strengthen direct competitors. In addition, a transfer within the league is not Palacios' goal.
