One of the most intriguing stories of this transfer window has been the near-signing of Aleix Garcia. West Ham United were very close to securing the midfielder from Girona, with Julen Lopetegui reportedly eager to bring him on board.
However, by mid-June, reports from Spain indicated that West Ham had pulled out of the deal, suggesting they never seriously pursued the transfer.
Garcia eventually signed with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and has since addressed the West Ham rumours in the Spanish media.
The 27-year-old midfielder revealed that West Ham were indeed very interested, and Lopetegui made significant efforts to persuade him to move to London. Despite West Ham offering a more lucrative contract, Garcia chose to join Leverkusen, driven by his desire to play in the Champions League.
Reflecting on the situation, Garcia said: “I had the option to go to West Ham, as reported in the press. I was interested, and Lopetegui called me frequently. After Girona’s qualification for the Champions League, playing in that competition was a priority for me, not the financial incentives of the Premier League.”
First 100% true saying in a while
…NEAR SIGNING 🤣🤣…the hammers moto
ambition over wealth? because he’s only getting paid in luncheon vouchers at team in the champions league? get real exposure in the champions league will make him more wealthy while Girona crash out in the group stages like villa
Good to see a player put ambition over wealth.
My feelings exactly, seems a rarity these days
Well done Dave. And many thanks. You dinosaur