Alex Baena straight to Atlético de Madrid: Could he have played at Barcelona?

Published New:28/06/2025 - 01:52h

Updated New:28/06/2025 - 02:41h

Barca were interested in Baena, but Atlético de Madrid are ahead and will sign him for 45 million euros plus 5 in variables

Everything seems to indicate that Atlético de Madrid will acquire the services of Alex Baena, a midfielder who can also play as a left winger, who was linked with FC Barcelona. Barça would have been very interested in the player, but finally the 'colchoneros' took a step forward for the player.

In this sense, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder, apparently, was on Barça's agenda for a good time; in addition, the player has openly expressed his love for the blaugrana entity.

"Playing at Barça is one of my biggest dreams because it is the best team in the world," he commented in an interview with Carrusel Deportivo. Likewise, on another occasion he expressed his liking for the 'Barça DNA'.

"I like Barça's style of play, the possession, the ball, they are always attacking and I think it benefits me."

According to recent rumors, the Catalan team's interest in the '16' 'Groguets' was so strong that the culé sporting director, Deco, allegedly held a meeting with his representative on May 9 to discuss the possibility of his signing, but it all remained in soundings.

Atlético de Madrid will sign Baena for 50 M€

According to Fabrizio Romano, Atlético de Madrid will take Alex Baena from Villarreal for a price of 45 million euros plus 5 in variables. Similarly, the teams would be working on the final details to formalize the transfer.

It should be noted that the attacking midfielder's termination clause was located at 55 million euros, therefore, in the deal obtained by Atlético managed to save 5 M.

Alex Baena, player with a great future

The international with the Spanish national team goes beyond the physical. The player is very intelligent with the ball; apart, he has a good shot in his right leg and his ability in tight spaces has earned him the attention of great teams in Europe.

In this way, Baena's quality not only interested Can Barça, but also teams such as Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Aston Villa of the Premier League. Likewise, there was also an alleged sounding by Bayern Munich.

The player was a fundamental piece of the yellow submarine. His performances as a top player earned him to become a recurring player in the starting eleven of Villarreal at least since the 2022/23 season.

In the 2024/25 season he played 2,628 minutes in 33 matches. During the season he scored 7 goals and assisted on 11 occasions. Baena also became one of the captains of the yellow team despite his young age.