La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly tracking the progress of 23-year-old Spanish playmaker Alex Baena at Villarreal.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alex Baena is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Premier League clubs are also keen on signing the Villarreal playmaker next year. However, Los Blancos’ presence in the equation might blow the English outfits out of the water, considering the reigning La Liga champions can afford his release clause of €60 million.
The rise of Alex Baena at Villarreal
Alex Baena has established himself as one of the best playmakers in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Villarreal a few years ago. A native of Roquetas de Mar, the Spaniard spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the Yellow Submarine’s youth division.
The 23-year-old has been a mainstay in the final third for Villarreal in recent seasons, with his ability to reprise wide and central roles making him an asset for the Valencian outfit. Baena has been hot off the blocks in the 2024/25 season, amassing one goal and five assists in seven appearances thus far this term.
Baena’s exploits for Villarreal have helped him establish a foothold in his national squad, and he was part of the squads that won UEFA Euro 2024 and the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, the Spanish playmaker’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
Move across La Liga on the horizon?
Real Madrid’s interest in Alex Baena is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a creative midfielder amid the advancing years of Luka Modric. Toni Kroos has already left Real Madrid after calling time on his illustrious career, and Modric is in the twilight of his time as a footballer.
So, Real Madrid should dip into the market for a playmaker, with Florian Wirtz emerging as a top target. However, Baena is also an option worth considering for Los Blancos, and he will be cheaper than Wirtz. The Spaniard has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract with Villarreal.
Real Madrid should have the funds to afford a deal worth €60 million to sign the Olympic 2024 gold medalist. It will be interesting to see if the reigning La Liga champions can beat Premier League clubs to the 23-year-old Spanish playmaker’s signature.
