West Ham United and Bayer Leverkusen named in race to sign Aleix Garcia
West Ham United “never really stood a chance” in the race for Aleix Garcia, according to HITC.
It has been reported by the news outlet online (13 June) that Bayer Leverkusen have won the race for Garcia.
Terms have been agreed between Girona and the Bundesliga champions for the transfer of the midfielder.
Aston Villa, Tottenham and the Hammers were all interested in signing the 26-year-old, but the outcome was clear once Xabi Alonso’s side declared their interest in Garcia.
West Ham find it difficult to compete with Bayer Leverkusen for Aleix Garcia
Of the four teams linked with an interest in Garcia, the Hammers were the only side unable to offer the Spainaird European football next season.
Even if Leverkusen hadn’t registered their interest, Julen Lopetegui’s side likely would have struggled to compete with Aston Villa and Tottenham.
But once the German champions were involved, it was never going to be a close race.
Leverkusen are coming off the back of an unprecedented season in which they were just one win away from achieving an invincible treble.
Alonso has sent shockwaves through Europe after his first full season as a first-team manager.
As a result, any player would find it difficult to turn down the opportunity to work under the 42-year-old at this moment.
For West Ham, it is back to the drawing board as they look to continue identifying players to sign for Lopetegui.
Although they have been beaten in the race for Garcia, there are plenty of other players out there who could be lured to the London Stadium.
Therefore, Tim Steidten must keep looking.
In other West Ham news, one player has been slammed by the press after his international display.
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