He has been linked to Barcelona for a long time, to the point that the interest was real and concise... but finally Álex Baena will end up wearing Atlético Madrid's jersey. His friend Fermín López couldn't do anything, even though he tried to convince the sports management, they argued that his position is very overcrowded. All of this, starting with Fermín himself, who could have left if his teammate had joined from Spain.
In the last few hours, El Chiringuito has revealed that there is "a preliminary agreement" between Atlético and Villarreal for Baena. The operation is pending the final details, but it is around 55 million euros... A price that Barça couldn't afford. It is expected that everything will soon become official, with Álex Baena ready to play in the next Club World Cup.
At all times, Álex Baena had tried to wait for Barça, declaring himself a fan of the club since he was little. But it wasn't possible: although his enormous quality is appreciated, he didn't fit into Hansi Flick's and the sports management's plans. His high price also didn't help, which ended up benefiting Atlético.
Álex Baena: a new star for Atlético
Álex Baena is one of the most powerful talents in Spanish soccer. At 23 years old, the Villarreal footballer has had a high-level season, participating in 31 matches, scoring 6 goals, and providing 10 assists. His vision of the game, ability to associate in tight spaces, and his imbalance from the wing or inside make him a true gem of national soccer.
For years, Álex Baena has made it clear that his dream was to wear Barcelona's jersey. His style fits with Barça's DNA: a technical player, with quality in passing, dribbling, and tactical reading. However, his desire will not be fulfilled. Despite the interest shown in the past, the Catalan club has decided not to pursue his signing.
Barça's economic reality has played against him, and now, Atlético Madrid is going to take him. Baena is very close to becoming a new rojiblanco player. Diego Simeone has expressly requested him, and the agreement with Villarreal could be finalized in the coming days.
At Atlético, Álex Baena will have the opportunity to take another step in his career and prove that he is ready to perform at the highest level in a top-tier club. Barça is letting go of a player who, due to style and quality, could have excelled at Camp Nou for years.