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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Barcelona target Garcia set to sign for Leverkusen</li><li>Agreed personal terms with the German club</li><li>Has a €15m (£12m) exit clause in his contract</li></ul>

Barcelona lose out to Bayer Leverkusen as midfielder Aleix Garcia agrees to link up with Xabi Alonso in bargain transfer from Girona

The Catalan giants have been long-time admirers of the Spain international and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-face-uphill-task-sign-primary-transfer-target-aleix-garcia-from-girona/bltffae1d049e612f16#cs29d00ae05d5d4231" target="_blank">tried to sign him in the January transfer window</a>. However, <a href="https://www.kicker.de/einigung-mit-aleix-garcia-girona-profi-soll-bayers-erster-neuer-werden-1027849/artikel" target="_blank">Kicker</a> reports that the midfielder has agreed personal terms with Bayer Leverkusen and is set to join the Bundesliga champions in a cut-price deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The report further claims that after getting verbal approval from the player, the German club will now negotiate with Girona. The Spanish side has reportedly set an exit clause in Garcia's contract at €15 million (£12m/$16m). Leverkusen are expected to seal the transfer soon.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Garcia, a former Manchester City youth player, had an important role to play in his club finishing third in La Liga and thereby securing a place in the Champions League group stage for next season. He appeared in 40 games across all competitions where he scored three goals and provided six assists.

DID YOU KNOW?

After a trophyless season under Xavi, the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-unveil-hansi-flick-xavi-to-depart/blt832342acfe703bb6" target="_blank">Catalan side are all set to appoint former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick </a>as their next head coach. Despite their financial constraints, the German coach will aim to make some new signings in the summer window to rebuild the squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barcelona lose out to Bayer Leverkusen as midfielder Aleix Garcia agrees to link up with Xabi Alonso in bargain transfer from Girona | Goal.com

Barcelona have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Aleix Garcia as Girona star agrees to join Bayer Leverkusen.