Atletico Madrid secure the signing of Álex Baena, he is said to have been on Atletico’s radar for several years even before he formed a very effective attacking duo with Alexander Sorloth last season at Villarreal. – Everything indicates that the transfer will be finalized soon.
According to journalist Álex Silvestre in El Chiringuito de Jugones, Atlético Madrid have reached a preliminary agreement with Villarreal on the signing of Álex Baena. The transfer fee is likely to be around €55 million – a significant investment that Atletico’s board sees as future-oriented, given the player’s constant development.
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A perfect match for Simeone’s style of play
The 23-year-old has been one of Villarreal’s most prominent players in recent seasons, known for his versatility in attack and ability to cause problems for opposing defences. His profile fits ideally with what Diego Simeone is looking for to bolster his team’s attack: speed, youthful energy and fighting spirit.
Last season from Alexander Sørloth finishing second on La Liga’s top scorers list, it was with Álex Baena as an attacking partner. – It was this collaboration that brought the Norwegian 195 cm tall attacker to the Spanish capital and now Baena is following suit.
Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt the deal
But the transition is not yet complete due to one major challenge: Saudi Arabia. Since the last winter window, Baena has had a lucrative offer from the Saudi Arabian league, which he turned down to prioritize his career in Europe. But the pressure from the Middle East continues, with an even higher financial offer than Atletico’s, slowing down the final deal.
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Baena prefers sporting ambitions
Nevertheless, it seems that Baena wants to stay in LaLiga and take the step to a club with bigger sporting goals. The player believes Atletico is the logical choice to further develop and get closer to the big European stages. If all goes as planned, his arrival at the Metropolitano could be confirmed in the next few weeks – as long as Saudi interest does not interfere with a transfer that currently looks promising.
