Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing 21-year-old Spanish midfielder Alex Baena from Villarreal in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Fichajes, Villarreal will demand around €60 million for Alex Baena this summer. And it remains to be seen whether Barcelona are prepared to pay up the required sum for the 21-year-old.
Xavi Hernandez has made it his priority to strengthen the midfield during the summer transfer window. He wants to add more goals and creativity in the middle of the park. The Barcelona manager wants to bring in a player who can help create more goalscoring opportunities for Robert Lewandowski. And the Spanish outfit are thought to be looking at Giovani Lo Celso as well.
Baena was an outstanding player for Villarreal this past season, scoring 12 goals and picking up six assists across all competitions. The highly-talented attacking midfielder can operate as a winger as well, and his versatility will be an added bonus.
The 21-year-old is likely to develop further with coaching and experience. He could prove to be a solid long-term investment for Barcelona if they can sign him. But the reported €60 million asking price seems quite steep, and Barcelona might struggle to afford him. The Blaugrana are going through financial difficulties and will be hoping to sign the midfielder for a more reasonable price.
As for the 21-year-old, he is likely to be tempted if Barcelona come calling. It would be a major step up in his career, and the Spanish midfielder would want to showcase his qualities at the highest level.
Barcelona managed to win the league title this past season and will be hoping to do well in the league as well as the UEFA Champions League next year. They need to add more quality and depth to their squad to do well across multiple competitions, and Baena could prove to be a solid acquisition.
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The 21-year-old is well-settled in La Liga and is likely to make an immediate impact. It will be interesting to see if the Catalan giants can convince Villarreal to accept a more reasonable amount for their prized midfield prospect instead of €60 million.
