As reported by Bild, Bayer Leverkusen have identified Stuttgart left-back Borna Sosa as an alternative to Rayo Vallecano’s Fran Garcia as they look to strengthen their defence before tomorrow’s deadline.
Upon learning of Bayer’s interest in Garcia, Real Madrid are close to activating García’s €10m buy option, as reported via our colleagues at Get Spanish Football News, and will pay €5m for the 23-year-old as they hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause on the player, who joined Rayo Vallecano from Los Blancos in the summer of 2021.
This means that Bayer Leverkusen must now pursue other targets. One of those is Sosa, who represented Croatia at the World Cup. Yet to feature in 2023, the 25-year-old has returned to training following an adductor injury.
Per the report, B04 would have been willing to pay the €10m to sign Garcia but for Sosa, who has a contract until 2025, Die Werkself would have to pay a little more. Bild suggest that Stuttgart want around €15m for the Croatian.
A move may be possible should one of Mitchel Bakker or Daley Sinkgraven leave.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
