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LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Bayer Leverkusen has signed Spanish left back Miguel Gutiérrez from Napoli. The 25-year-old Gutiérrez, a former Real Madrid academy player, signed a contract through June 2031, Leverkusen said in a statement on Wednesday. Gutiérrez replaces compatriot Álex Grimaldo, who departed for Atlético Madrid, and will wear the No. 3 at Leverkusen. He made 36 competitive appearances for Napoli last season and helped the team finish second in Serie A after joining from Girona the season before. “Gutiérrez is a technically gifted and attack-minded defender who fits into our team well. With him we’ve implemented a new, very dynamic element,” Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said. “Miguel is a superb footballer, our absolute top choice for this position.” Kicker magazine reported Leverkusen had agreed to pay Napoli 26 million euros ($30 million) for the player. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated Press