Aleix Garcia, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, has expressed interest in returning to La Liga in the future. The 27-year-old confirmed past contact with Barcelona before joining the Bundesliga side this summer, though financial constraints prevented a move to his home country.
Transfer Background
Garcia played a pivotal role in Girona’s historic Champions League qualification last season before signing with Bayer Leverkusen for €18m (£15m) in June. Despite his move, reports of Barcelona’s interest persisted, though their financial struggles hindered their ability to secure multiple signings.
While Barca ultimately signed Dani Olmo with a structured payment plan, they struggled to register his contract until sacrifices like Ilkay Gündogan’s departure were made.
Garcia’s Journey
- Early Career: Spent five years with Manchester City but failed to make a significant impact.
- Rebuild at Girona: Found his footing in Spain after a brief and disappointing stint in Romania.
- Current Role at Leverkusen: Has started only six of the club’s 20 matches across all competitions but is gradually gaining the trust of manager Xabi Alonso.
Garcia’s Reflections
Garcia acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a competitive Leverkusen side and highlighted his recent progress:
“I have scored two goals in the last month, which has given me confidence. Xabi is starting to see unique qualities in me compared to the other midfielders. It’s a process, and I’m feeling better every day.”
However, he admitted frustration at the lack of consistent playing time:
“It’s tough not having the continuity that everyone likes, but I understand the competition here. There’s so much quality in the team, and I accept it as part of the process.”
Future Aspirations
Garcia has left the door open for a La Liga return:
“I see myself returning to La Liga in the future. I’d like to go back, but I don’t know when. Right now, I’m enjoying my experience at Leverkusen.”
On Barcelona’s previous interest, he added:
“Yes, there were calls. It’s nice that Barça reached out to my agent, but if it didn’t happen, it wasn’t meant to be. I’m happy with the step I took.”
Key Talking Points
- Leverkusen’s Midfield Depth
Despite his limited starts, Garcia is beginning to show his potential under Alonso’s guidance. - Barcelona’s Financial Struggles
Their inability to secure Garcia in the summer underscores ongoing fiscal challenges at the Catalan club. - Potential La Liga Return
With a five-year contract at Leverkusen, Garcia’s timeline for returning to Spain remains uncertain. However, his interest suggests clubs in La Liga will monitor his development closely.
Aleix Garcia’s journey reflects resilience and adaptability. While his time at Bayer Leverkusen continues to challenge him, his ambition to return to La Liga and his acknowledgment of Barcelona’s interest highlight his evolving career trajectory.
SOURCE: 90min.com
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