- West Ham offers £14M for Girona’s Aleix García, challenging Leverkusen
- New manager Julen Lopetegui seeks to enhance West Ham’s squad
- García’s Champions League prospects with Girona and Leverkusen could influence his decision
West Ham is trying to impede Bayer Leverkusen’s pursuit of Girona midfielder Aleix García.
Bundesliga champions Leverkusen have been at the forefront of the pursuit of García; however, they risk failing to secure one of Xabi Alonso’s primary targets. West Ham has offered the Spaniard approximately £14 million.
Julen Lopetegui, who succeeded David Moyes as West Ham’s manager, seeks to enhance the team’s capabilities in numerous positions. Lopetegui’s influence is evident in the interest in García, a midfielder who played a significant role in Girona’s first Champions League qualification by finishing third in La Liga.
In 2020, the 26-year-old joined Dinamo Bucharest after spending five years at Manchester City and beginning his career at Villarreal. The Spain international has significantly impacted since relocating to Girona in 2021, demonstrating his ability to make intelligent passes from a deep position. West Ham, which employed a counterattacking approach under Moyes, requires players who can assist in maintaining a more significant amount of possession.
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Sources at the club have emphasised that the acquisition of García is not yet at an advanced stage, and West Ham has identified alternative midfield targets. The fact that Girona and Leverkusen are participating in the Champions League will undoubtedly be a factor for the player. West Ham has not qualified for Europe and is concerned that Leverkusen will provide García with a more lucrative contract.
In midfield, Lopetegui has the following options: Lucas Paquetá, James Ward-Prowse, Edson Álvarez, Tomas Soucek, and Flynn Downes, who is anticipated to join Southampton. The Football Association has charged Paquetá with alleged betting regulation violations, which could result in a lengthy suspension.
West Ham is negotiating to finalise the Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme acquisition for an initial sum of £25.5 million. The agreement has been resurrected after nearly collapsing on Monday; however, negotiations are still ongoing.
