According to reports, Barcelona will face off against Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle United for the 23-year-old playmaker Alex Baena of Villarreal.
FC Barcelona is reportedly interested in Alex Baena, according to a report by the Spanish publication Fichajes. The Catalan giants are eager to add more creative options to their roster during the summer transfer window of 2025. The Villarreal playmaker, who is expected to cost over €50 million next year, is a fierce competitor for the Blaugrana, who will have fierce opposition from Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Real Madrid.
Rising star Alex Baena
Since getting into the Villarreal first team a few years ago, Alex Baena has established himself as one of the league’s greatest players. Over the past several years, the Spaniard has become increasingly stronger, and his advancements have allowed him to establish himself in his country’s squad.
The 23-year-old participated in Spain’s 2024 Olympic squad, which won the gold medal, as well as the squad that won the UEFA Euro 2024. Baena has been active from the start this season, making seven games in all competitions and tallying one goal and five assists. His development has not gone unnoticed, drawing interest from a number of prestigious teams, including Newcastle United, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal.
An attractive man
Barcelona has long been interested in the Spanish playmaker, and contact with the Blaugrana was established during the summer transfer window. Baena is still on Barcelona’s desire list, which makes sense given that he can play in the middle or on the wings. The Villarreal star may be the perfect match at the Catalan club, since Hansi Flick prefers a centre playmaker.
It makes sense that Real Madrid is interested in Alex Baena in the interim. Los Blancos may use a new creative midfield player, since Toni Kroos is calling it quits on his illustrious career and Luka Modric is nearing the end of his. Real Madrid could therefore pursue Baena. Regarding Arsenal, Martin Odegaard can be replaced by the gold medallist from the 2024 Paris Olympics through the centre areas.
The Spanish international, nevertheless, might potentially be a contender for the wide positions. Newcastle United, which is eager to expand their creative alternatives for the upcoming season, is also interested in Baena. The playmaker for Villarreal won’t come cheap; the team is asking for almost €50 million to let him go.
Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Newcastle United ought to be able to afford to pay €50 million to recruit Baena from Villarreal. It will be intriguing to watch, though, whether Barcelona can raise the necessary money to sign the 23-year-old Spaniard the following season.