Newcastle United are reportedly willing to trigger the release clause of €60 million to sign 23-year-old Spanish international Alex Baena from Villarreal.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alex Baena is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest are also keen on signing the Villarreal playmaker, who has a release clause worth €60 million with the Spanish club. The three clubs are ready to cough up the required sum to sign the Olympics 2024 gold medalist.
Alex Baena and his journey as a professional footballer
Alex Baena has established himself as one of the best young creative players in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Villarreal a few years ago. The Spaniard established a foothold in the senior setup at Estadio de la Ceramica after returning from a loan stint with Girona in 2022.
The 23-year-old playmaker has gone from strength to strength in the last few seasons, and he provided the most assists in La Liga in the 2023/24 campaign. Baena has not been as productive this term, managing only four goals and five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.
However, the Spanish international enjoyed a memorable summer last year, winning UEFA Euro 2024 and the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Meanwhile, the Villarreal playmaker’s stock remains as high as ever, with several high-profile clubs across Europe setting their sights on him. Newcastle United will be one of his prospective suitors this year.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Newcastle United’s interest in Alex Baena makes sense. The Magpies are on the verge of parting ways with Miguel Almiron, with the Paraguayan international closing in on rejoining Atlanta United this month. So, Newcastle United can do with a new creative attacker, with the Villarreal playmaker emerging as a viable target.
While the 23-year-old Spaniard is primarily an attacking midfielder, he can play on both flanks. So, Baena is a viable target for Newcastle United, with the Tyneside outfit ready to trigger his release clause to sign him from Villarreal.
Apart from Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest are also willing to cough up €60 million to sign the Spanish international. So, Baena’s next destination depends on him and the club that can turn the player’s head over a possible move worth €60 million.
