Villarreal weigh Aleix García ‘dream’ move if Pape Gueye departs | OneFootball

Villarreal will enter the summer with a plan centred on midfield, and Pape Gueye’s future could shape the spend. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the club favour few signings and controlled costs. Aleix García is seen as the dream option if Gueye departs.

With Carlos Romero returning from Espanyol to replace Alfonso Pedraza at left-back, attention now turns to the middle. Dani Parejo and Thomas Partey will leave, and Gueye’s situation may change during the window.

Villarreal plan two additions in midfield, an experienced LaLiga pivot at a manageable fee and one academy promotion. Luis Milla leads that list, with Antonio Blanco, Pathé Ciss and Guido Rodríguez also considered, while Dani Requena, Alassane Diatta and Carlos Maciá vie for the step up.

If Gueye is sold, with the club pointing to his 40 million euros clause, they would consider a higher-profile recruit. In that scenario, Aleix García of Bayer Leverkusen fits for quality, experience and familiarity with Villarreal.

Leverkusen paid Girona 18 million euros and would not go below 20-25 million if they entertained a bid. The 28-year-old Spain international, capped eight times, came through Villarreal and debuted for them in 2015. He would be attracted by Champions League football and a return, while Leverkusen will play Europa League.

Requena will join pre-season after his Córdoba loan, with Maciá and Diatta also involved. The aim is for one to stay and another to alternate between the reserves and first team, matching the club’s context.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo