According to a report from Fussballdaten, West Ham have named Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia as a “specific” priority player for the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Leverkusen centre-back, 28, is currently considered the Hammers’ most ‘serious’ target as they look to inject some world-class creativity into their engine room.
Download the official CaughtOffSide app to get all the latest news and updates straight to your phone. above apple & Google play
The Hammers’ interest is not new, having previously tried to sign him in 2024.
Garcia has had an excellent season, contributing nine assists and five goals in all competitions.
West Ham face Atletico Madrid
West Ham are leading the interest from the Premier League, but they face formidable rivals in Atletico Madrid.
Manager Diego Simeone is reportedly keen to bring Garcia back to Spain to replace Conor Gallagher, who recently joined Tottenham.
Atlético previously failed to investigate in January, but reports now suggest they will return with an offer of 25 million euros.
However, Leverkusen are maintaining a solid defense. Despite Garcia’s market value being around €20m, the German champions reportedly set the price for the playmaker at €30m (around £25m) and refused to part with anything less.
West Ham face serious relegation risk
Despite the club’s ambitious transfer plans, whether West Ham sign Garcia could depend heavily on their standing in the Premier League.
The Hammers are currently embroiled in a relegation battle, sitting in 18th place with just 29 points after 31 games.
With seven games left and just one point behind 17th-placed Tottenham, the London Stadium side face one of the most uncertain final stages of the season in years.
It is unlikely that a player of Garcia’s quality would be happy with a move to the Championship, so the club’s Premier League standing could be a deciding factor in the player’s decision.
Garcia’s rise: From Manchester City youth to Bundesliga star
Garcia’s journey has come full circle. Once a promising prospect in Manchester City’s youth ranks, he really found his footing at Girona before blowing up under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen.
| player | club | game | the goal | assist | G+A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aleix Garcia | bayer leverkusen | 85 | 10 | 13 | twenty three |
Now, he has developed under the tactical changes at BayArena and has become one of Europe’s most impressive midfielders.
| position | game | the goal | assist | G+A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defensive midfield | 143 | 8 | 16 | twenty four |
| central midfield | 133 | 15 | 20 | 35 |
| attacking midfield | twenty four | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Aleix García’s stats in different positions (via Transfermarkt)
Whether he chooses to return to his home country or a high-profile return to England, Garcia will be one of the hottest players this summer.
