Manchester City have added Alex Baena to their list of potential successors to Kevin De Bruyne should the Belgian leave in the summer.
According to Fichajes, Manchester City are considering an approach for Villarreal’s Alex Baena in the summer. The Premier League giants could begin looking for a successor to Kevin De Bruyne, with the 22-year-old La Liga playmaker as one of the many options under consideration.
Manchester City are interested in Alex Baena
Alex Baena has been one of the most improved players in La Liga this season, and he has produced an output-driven campaign with Villarreal this term. With five goals and thirteen assists across all competitions, the 22-year-old is one of the prominent playmakers in Europe.
His ability to play in the central attacking role and slot in either wide attacking positions makes him a versatile option, which has caught the eye of several clubs. Unai Emery held an interest before January, and so did Tottenham, who might still explore a move in the summer.
Manchester City have joined the race for Baena, with the 22-year-old La Liga playmaker considered a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. Pep Guardiola might be forced to look for options to succeed the Belgian, with the Villarreal star among his list of stars, including Florian Wirtz, Lucas Paqueta and Xavi Simons.
For his age, Baena has a lot of potential for the future, which is something Manchester City are considering. All the other names, barring Paqueta, are in a specific age bracket, which hits at the club’s idea for their De Bruyne replacement.
The Kevin De Bruyne situation explained
De Bruyne has been the subject of heavy Saudi interest of late, with some of the major clubs there willing to make a compelling offer to the Belgian. The Saudi Pro League sides want him and Mohamed Salah to be two marquee players in the summer, as the money could be a game-changer.
However, the Belgian may not be finished in the continent just yet, as there is talk of a new contract at Manchester City. Should they end up selling De Bruyne, the Cityzens will demand a significant price for the 32-year-old, and in turn begin their search for a viable replacement that may include Baena among others.
