Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City are set to battle it out for Villarreal star Alex Baena.
According to Fichajes, Villarreal star Alex Baena is attracting attention from Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester City.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks at the Estadio de La Ceramica, making his first team debut in the year 2020. He has since made 31 appearances for the Yellow Submarines, scoring and assisting eight goals apiece.
The left-winger has taken his game to new heights this season and has already found the back of the net six times in the first ten games. Capable of playing anywhere along the frontline, the versatility adds another dimension to his name.
Baena’s current deal at Villarreal runs until 2025, and he has a rather low release clause worth €35million. The Yellow Submarines are keen to extend the 21-year-old’s stay and will be keen to see him sign new terms soon.
Manchester City have largely deployed Jack Grealish on the left side of their attack following Raheem Sterling’s departure to Chelsea earlier in the summer. The Englishman lacks proficiency in front of goal, and his goals and assists contribution is nothing to write home about.
Adding Baena to the roster will more or less give Pep Guardiola a young alternative who can be developed into a deadly goal-getter. The young Spaniard could be the next major addition in Man City’s rebuild.
The same cannot be said of Liverpool, who already have the indomitable Luis Diaz in the position. The Colombian has more or less made the position his own at Anfield.
While signing Beana will give Jurgen Klopp an excellent backup option, the youngster is unlikely to be given the nod over Diaz in the starting XI. However, he could be deployed on the other flank where Mohamed Salah’s age is beginning to show.
The Egyptian ace appears to have lost a tad of his touch and will need to be phased out in the next few years. Bringing Baena in to educate him about the Liverpool way of playing should see the youngster ready to take on the mantle when the time comes.
Either way, the list of admirers will only increase should Baena continue to put up the same numbers. The 21-year-old will have no shortage of suitors should he decide to seek new pastures in the upcoming transfer windows.
