West Ham have submitted an offer to sign Girona’s Aleix Garcia during the summer transfer window, as reported by Eduard Sola from Catalunya Radio on June 3. According to Sola, the Irons have made a bid for the 26-year-old Spanish midfielder, and both Garcia and his club are currently considering the proposal.
Nil Sola, a journalist from Radio Girona Esports, provided additional details via Twitter, stating that the offer is around €16 million (£13.6 million), surpassing the bid from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
While Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen will participate in the Champions League next season, so will Girona following their third-place finish in La Liga. However, despite West Ham missing out on European football, their bid for Garcia is seen as “very important.”
Central midfield is not an obvious priority for West Ham compared to their attacking positions and the need for a central defense overhaul. However, incoming manager Julen Lopetegui might have different views. Although the Irons have last summer’s signings Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, the club faces uncertainty with Brazilian star Lucas Paqueta potentially facing a ban after an FA charge for alleged spot-fixing, which he denies. Additionally, it remains unclear what role Tomas Soucek will play under Lopetegui, having been a mainstay under previous manager David Moyes.
Alonso’s double-winning Leverkusen, who only missed out on an unbeaten treble due to their Europa League final loss to Atalanta, are likely an attractive option for Garcia following their remarkable season. Thus, securing Garcia over the German champions would be a significant statement for West Ham.
Garcia, a former Manchester City player, was a key figure for Girona during their surprising campaign, which saw them finish behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona in just their second season back in La Liga. He made 37 appearances, contributing three goals and six assists. Despite West Ham’s sporting director Tim Steidten being involved in negotiations in Brazil, his efforts in Europe continue.
The club’s £12.5 million deal for Brazilian defender Patricio Bruno recently fell through, and a £25 million-plus move for teenage attacker Luis Guilherme was temporarily stalled but later revived. Despite these setbacks, West Ham have made a substantial offer for Garcia, which may reflect Lopetegui’s influence on the summer transfer strategy.
