Aleix Garcia, the former Girona midfielder, has revealed that he rejected a summer move to West Ham United in favor of joining Bayer Leverkusen. The German club signed Garcia for €18million (£15m) after an impressive season with Girona, which earned him a spot in La Liga’s team of the season.
Garcia, a former Manchester City youngster, was in high demand this summer, but he chose Leverkusen due to the club’s Champions League qualification and the opportunity to work under coach Xabi Alonso.
In an interview with Diari de Girona, Garcia confirmed that West Ham was the only other club to make an offer for him, but he opted for Leverkusen’s more appealing project.Garcia’s decision is a significant blow to West Ham, who had identified him as a key target to strengthen their midfield. The Hammers had already signed Max Kilman from Wolves for £40 million, but Garcia’s rejection means they will have to look elsewhere to bolster their squad.
Leverkusen’s swift move for Garcia highlights their ambition to compete at the highest level, and the midfielder’s arrival is expected to boost their Champions League campaign. Garcia’s impressive form last season, which earned him a spot in La Liga’s team of the season alongside Jude Bellingham, Ilkay Gundogan, and Robert Lewandowski, makes him a valuable addition to Leverkusen’s squad.
West Ham’s failure to secure Garcia’s signature is a setback for the club, which is looking to strengthen its squad under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The Hammers have been active in the transfer market, signing Kilman and attempting to lure Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, but Garcia’s rejection means they will have to explore other options to bolster their midfield.
In conclusion, Aleix Garcia’s decision to join Bayer Leverkusen over West Ham United is a significant coup for the German club, which is looking to make a statement in the Champions League. Garcia’s impressive form last season and his experience playing in La Liga make him a valuable addition to Leverkusen’s squad, and his rejection of West Ham’s offer highlights the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level.