Aleix Garcia to decide on West Ham United transfer as Bayer Leverkusen update emerges
Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia is free to decide on his future as West Ham United and Bayer Leverkusen chase his signature, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish outlet reported [4 June] that the Hammers and Leverkusen have both made offers for the Spaniard, and it is now up to the player to decide on his next club.
While the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions thought they had already sealed the summer transfer, Julen Lopetegui’s side have entered the fray with a £13.6million bid, including a £65,000-per-week wage.
“Bayer Leverkusen continue to have the initiative in the operation, with almost the total agreement from the ‘Gironi’ club,” Alex Luna wrote.
“From there, it will be up to the midfielder to decide which project is most convincing to him to see his best version on the pitch again.”
Will Aleix Garcia choose West Ham United over Bayer Leverkusen?
The 26-year-old would certainly be a statement signing from the Premier League club if they are able to land his signature, especially considering his exploits with Girona this season.
Garcia was an integral part of Girona’s attempted title charge, finishing third in La Liga to Real Madrid and Barcelona, though it does mean they qualified for the Champions League.
Although West Ham are unable to offer any European football this season, the tabled bid seems almost too good to turn down, with an opportunity to play in the Premier League being handed to him.
Though Girona are set to compete in the Champions League next season, many of their high-profile stars have already been linked with moves away, which could spell bad news for the Spanish club next season.
Given Garcia’s adaptability in midfield, Lopetegui would almost be able to promise him consistent game time at the London Stadium, working alongside Edson Alvarez and likely moving either Tomas Soucek or James Ward-Prowse to the bench.
While he is capable of deputising in a more defensive role, his three goals and six assists in the league this season prove his ability going forward.
As a player recently hailed as “outstanding” by then-Barcelona boss Xavi [The Athletic, 3 January], who said he would happily have him at Camp Nou, he would make a welcomed addition in London this summer.
In other West Ham news, the club have “closed an agreement” for a La Liga striker in a deal worth £25.5m.
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