Bayer Leverkusen were all conquering in the Bundesliga last season, going through the campaign unbeaten and becoming champions.
Xabi Alonso’s side also won the cup and the manager was a much wanted man ahead of the summer. Seemingly snubbing a move to Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp, the Spaniard decided to stay where he is.
That surely involved him getting assurances about incoming transfers, and one of those looks to have ruined West Ham United’s plans.
Aleix Garcia played 40 matches for Girona last season, in a great season which saw them qualify for the Champions League. Operating in a deeper midfielder role, the former Manchester City player won fans.
Asked by Diari de Girona is he had any other offers than from the German champions, Garcia said: “One from West Ham. They were the only ones. If I had waited longer, maybe I could have received another one. I considered that Bayer was the most positive, because of the coach and the style of play. Playing the Champions League was a trigger.”
So there it is, no Champions League football, and perhaps uncertainty over the manager at a time, saw Garcia plump for Bayer Leverkusen over West Ham.
