La Liga champions Barcelona are keeping tabs on Alex Baena, but his release clause of €60 million complicates matters.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Alex Baena is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for an offensive reinforcement heading into the summer transfer window. But the Spaniard has a release clause of €60 million in his contract with Villarreal, meaning a summer move is unlikely.
Who is Alex Baena?
Alex Baena has established himself as one of the best young attackers in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Villarreal. The 22-year-old spent most of his formative years with the Valencian outfit before graduating from the youth division a few years ago.
The Spaniard has been a mainstay in the final third for Villarreal for a long time, with his stock rising with every season. Baena has enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign thus far, contributing to 18 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions, finding the back of the net five times while providing 13 assists.
The youngster made his international debut for Spain last year and has turned out twice for La Roja thus far. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Many Premier League bigwigs are interested in the Villarreal attacker, with Barcelona also keen on signing him.
Barcelona Interested
Barcelona considered signing Alex Baena last summer, but a move did not materialise. The continued interest in the Spaniard is understandable, considering his ability to play on the flanks and in central areas. So, he can be a top-class addition to the Barcelona attack amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
Baena has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona, as he can reprise different roles in the final third. However, a summer move for the 22-year-old Spanish international will unlikely see the light of day as he has a release clause of €60 million in his contract with Villarreal.
Barcelona might not have the funds to shell out €60 million to secure Alex Baena’s services in the summer transfer window. So, a move to the Premier League might be likelier due to the English bigwigs’ deep pockets and higher spending power.
