Barcelona might propose a part-exchange deal to sign Alex Baena from Villarreal in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Alex Baena is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen on reinforcing their creative options in the summer transfer window. And they might look to reduce Villarreal’s asking price of €55-60 million by offering a part-exchange deal to secure the services of the Spaniard.
The rise and rise of Alex Baena
Alex Baena has established himself as one of the best playmakers in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Villarreal. A graduate of the Valencian club’s youth division, the 22-year-old has come leaps and bounds in the last two seasons, with his exploits also helping him make his Spain bow.
Baena has been exceptional thus far this season, amassing five goals and 17 assists in 43 outings across all competitions. He is also on top of the creative charts in La Liga in the 2023/24 campaign, providing more assists (13) than any other player. Meanwhile, the Spanish midfielder’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.
Widespread reports have linked Baena with several Premier League bigwigs, with Aston Villa keen on securing his services in the summer transfer window. However, the Spaniard dreams of joining Barcelona, although his price tag of around €55-60 million poses a problem for the Catalan outfit.
Move across La Liga beckons?
Barcelona’s interest in Alex Baena is understandable. While Ilkay Gundogan has been excellent since arriving from Manchester City in a Bosman move last summer, the German international is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the final phase of his glittering career. In addition, Frenkie de Jong’s Barcelona future is uncertain due to the never-ending financial issues.
So, it behoves Barcelona to invest in a creative midfielder, with Baena emerging as a viable target. The Spaniard can also be a solution in the final third, potentially taking Raphinha’s spot in the offensive department. And Barcelona will look to drive down Villarreal’s price tag of €55-60 million by offering a part-exchange deal.
Several Barcelona prospects are the subject of interest from the Yellow Submarine. So, offering a part-exchange deal to secure Baena’s services might be a masterstroke. But it will be interesting to see if Villarreal will be open to recouping less than €55-60 million from the Spaniard’s sale this summer.
