Amina UmarBayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia has revealed that he turned down an offer from West Ham United this summer, opting instead to join the Bundesliga club for around €20 million.
Garcia chose Leverkusen due to the opportunity to work with manager Xabi Alonso and the chance to play Champions League football.West Ham had been keen to sign Garcia following his impressive performances for Girona last season, but the absence of European football at the London Stadium hindered their chances.
Girona finished third in La Liga and will play in the Champions League next season, making them a more attractive option for Garcia.West Ham’s failure to land Garcia is a significant blow, as they had identified him as a key target to strengthen their midfield. The club is yet to effectively replace Declan Rice, who left for Arsenal last summer, and will need to spend heavily to secure a player of similar caliber.Manager Julen Lopetegui is eager to impress in his first season in charge and will need to strengthen his midfield to achieve this goal.
The summer transfer window is expected to intensify after the European Championship, and West Ham will be hoping to secure a deal for another defensive midfielder.Garcia’s decision to join Leverkusen highlights the importance of European football in attracting top talent. West Ham’s failure to qualify for Europe last season has made it challenging for them to compete with clubs like Leverkusen, who can offer Champions League football.
In conclusion, Aleix Garcia’s decision to join Bayer Leverkusen over West Ham United is a significant blow to the Hammers’ midfield plans. West Ham will need to identify alternative targets and spend heavily to secure a player of similar caliber to Garcia. The absence of European football at the London Stadium continues to hinder the club’s ability to attract top talent, making it a challenging summer transfer window for Lopetegui and his team.
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