After a fantastic final spurt with win after win, and extra Champions League space for La Liga in the new system next year, Villarreal landed in 5th place.
Last summer, it was Alexander Sørloth who was sold to Atlético Madrid, this summer the second half of the club’s dynamic attacking duo will follow.
It is about Álex Baena. The Andalusian winger has all but secured a move to Atlético Madrid, and the “yellow submarine” is on the hunt for a replacement.
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Villarreal act decisively in this summer’s transfer market
The team led by Marcelino is aware that they need to make a leap in quality in their squad to meet the challenges of the upcoming Champions League season in a good way. One of the biggest challenges is to cover the possible absence of Álex Baena, who has been a key player for the yellow team in recent seasons.
Instead of directly looking for a replacement for the talented Andalusian midfielder, the club has opted for a strategy similar to the one they used after Alexander Sorloth’s departure: to bring in two players with different profiles who together can contribute what Baena brought to the pitch.
Seeking to strengthen other, more pressing positions
The names the yellow sports management is considering are Rodrigo Riquelme and Alberto Moleiro. Marcelino is very fond of the former because of his versatility and offensive strength. In addition, Atlético de Madrid will not be opposed to a departure if a convincing offer comes.
On the other hand, Moleiro represents a more complex situation. Despite UD Las Palmas’ relegation, he is their most valuable player, and the Canarian club is demanding a significant sum for him. Still, the young player’s desire to play in the Champions League could be a deciding factor.
Villarreal are already working on both signings. The goal is clear: not to replace Baena with just one player, but with two talents who together can fill the void his departure may create.
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