Barcelona will reportedly compete with Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle United for 23-year-old Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alex Baena is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen on bolstering their creative options in the 2025 summer transfer window. However, the Blaugrana will face stiff competition from Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Real Madrid for the Villarreal playmaker, who will cost around €50 million next year.
The rise of Alex Baena
Alex Baena has established himself as one of the best players in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Villarreal a few years ago. The Spaniard has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, with his progress helping him establish a foothold in his national squad.
The 23-year-old has been a part of the UEFA Euro 2024-winning squad and Spain’s group at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with his country winning the gold medal. Baena has been hot off the blocks this term, amassing one goal and five assists in seven appearances across all competitions. His progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
A man in demand
The Spanish playmaker has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time, with the summer transfer window also bringing links with the Blaugrana. Baena remains on Barcelona’s wishlist, which makes sense, considering he can be an option on the flanks or through the central areas. With Hansi Flick preferring a central playmaker, the Villarreal star can be the ideal fit at the Catalan club.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s interest in Alex Baena is understandable. With Luka Modric in the twilight of his career and Toni Kroos calling time on his glittering career, Los Blancos can do with a new creative midfielder. Baena is thus a viable target for Real Madrid. As for Arsenal, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist can be an alternative to Martin Odegaard through the central areas.
However, the Spanish international could also be a candidate for the wide roles. Meanwhile, Baena is also a target for Newcastle United, with the Magpies keen on bolstering their creative options next year. The Villarreal playmaker will not cost a bomb, with Villarreal demanding around €50 million to part ways with him.
Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Real Madrid should have the funds to afford a deal worth €50 million to sign Baena from Villarreal. However, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can muster the funds to land the 23-year-old Spaniard next year.
