According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Alex Baena is the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid. The Colchoneros are scouring the market for a creative midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. So, the Villarreal playmaker has emerged as a target for the Spanish club.
However, they are worried about Aston Villa’s emerging links with the Spaniard. Despite the West Midlands club’s interest in Baena, Atletico Madrid will not waver from the plan to sign him from Villarreal in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the youngster has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract with the Yellow Submarine, with Los Rojiblancos looking to seal a deal of around €45-50 million.
Alex Baena has established himself as one of the best playmakers in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Villarreal. A native of Roquetas de Mar, the 23-year-old spent his formative years in Spain and graduated from the youth division at Villarreal. However, he could not establish a foothold in the senior setup until the 2022/23 season.
The Spanish playmaker was also a part of the squad that won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Baena’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Alex Baena makes sense. The Colchoneros are keen on reinforcing their squad by signing a creative attacker in the summer transfer window. So, the Villarreal playmaker has emerged as a viable target for Atletico Madrid. However, they are worried about Aston Villa’s links with the Spaniard.
Speaking of the West Midlands club’s interest, the uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have compelled them to seek a long-term replacement. So, Baena is an option worth considering for Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Spanish playmaker has a release clause worth €60 million in his deal with Villarreal. However, Atletico Madrid will aim to seal a deal of around €45-50 million. So, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the Olympic gold medalist.
