Álex Baena has been one of the big names at the start of the market. The Villarreal footballer, one of the great revelations of the season, was on the radar of two giants of Spanish soccer: Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona. Both went after him with very serious proposals.
For weeks, his entourage has held conversations with both clubs. At Barça, Flick saw him as a perfect midfielder for his system, while at Atlético, Diego Simeone personally insisted on his arrival. The player has considered everything carefully before taking the step.
Simeone Sees Him as Key in His New Project
Atlético de Madrid is in full reconstruction. With several departures planned this summer, Simeone is looking for footballers who add quality, youth, and character. Álex Baena meets all those conditions and has been his direct request for the midfield.
The Argentine coach values his versatility, tactical ability, and his arrival from the second line. He believes he can adapt very well to the red-and-white system, especially in high-intensity matches. They guarantee him a starting position, weight in the team, and Champions League.
Additionally, the club is willing to pay the 45 million euros of his clause, without intermediate negotiations. The goal is to close as soon as possible and prevent Premier League clubs, who were also probing his signing, from entering.
But Barça Also Wanted to Take Him
Meanwhile, Barça didn't sit idly by. Laporta and Deco initiated serious contacts after Flick's approval. The German coach considers him a strategic signing to reinforce the midfield, especially if departures occur this summer.
Baena fit perfectly into Barça's play style: technical, associative, and with good tactical reading. Flick saw him as an ideal alternative to rotate with Pedri, Dani Olmo, or Gavi, and even as an impact player from the bench in big matches.
However, the culé club couldn't compete financially. Although they offered him a solid project, their salary structure and financial fair play limitations left little room for maneuver.
Baena Has Already Communicated His Decision
After weeks of analysis, the player and his entourage have already conveyed their final decision. A call to his agent made it clear: the footballer has chosen the project that excites him the most and where he feels most valued.
The club that gets Álex Baena's "yes" has already started preparing the contract details. The personal conditions are agreed upon, the duration will be five seasons, and the salary will be higher than that offered by Barça.
Villarreal has also been informed. Although they didn't want to part with their star, they understand that with an offer of 45 million, little can be done. The agreement will be executed through the full payment of the clause.
Finally, Álex Baena has chosen Atlético de Madrid as his next destination. Simeone has won the battle against Laporta, and the player will wear red-and-white next season. It will be one of the big moves of the summer.
The operation is closed: direct payment of the clause, long contract, and a leading role in Atleti's new project. The Argentine coach considers him a cornerstone in the new era that is approaching at the Metropolitano.
Baena has already given the "yes," and Atlético is only waiting for the ideal moment to make it official. Pending signature, the signing is a fact: one of the best young midfielders in LaLiga is changing airs.