Barça has closed a great season that has exceeded its initial sports and economic expectations. Reaching the Champions League semifinals has meant an influx of income that was not anticipated by the club. With that money, several priority operations were activated to strengthen Hansi Flick's team.
One of the critical points has been the management of Pedri's minutes throughout the campaign. The Tenerife native has played 58 official matches and has accumulated almost 4,600 minutes (4.600) on his legs. He has been the undisputed leader in the midfield, and Flick has not been able to rest him as he would have liked.
Pedri celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona
A necessary replacement that hasn't arrived in time
The coaching staff has detected that when Pedri is not there, the team suffers in controlling the match. Gavi and Dani Olmo provide verticality, but they do not organize or balance with the ball like the Canary Islander does. Frenkie de Jong and Casadó have a more defensive and less creative profile in the opponent's field.
That's why Deco had been working for months on the incorporation of an offensive midfielder with vision, passing, and good reading. It was a structural need, designed to provide real rest without losing quality. The name that topped the priority list was Álex Baena, from Villarreal.
Frenkie de Jong with Barça | @FCBarcelona
The young attacking midfielder has had a spectacular season, being the top assistant in the five major leagues. He has scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists in 32 matches, becoming Villarreal's offensive compass. His profile fit perfectly into Hansi Flick's game idea for Barça.
However, Atlético has been faster, more direct, and convinced the Andalusian player first. Baena had shown sympathy for Barça in the past, but the Atlético proposal came first and was clear. The player's entourage and Atlético's sports management have already closed the first details of the agreement.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
Simeone adds a profile he didn't have
Villarreal will not let Baena leave for less than 55 million, a figure that Atlético is willing to pay. The player prioritizes staying in the elite of European soccer rather than moving to less demanding leagues. The guaranteed prominence by Simeone has been the key, more than the economic offer.
Baena will strengthen the play between the lines, provide arrival from the second line, and increase the capacity for interior passing. Atlético wants to make an offensive leap, and this signing fits with the idea of renewing its midfield. The agreement could be made official in the coming weeks if a last-minute competitor doesn't appear.
Simeone wants him | @simeone
Álex Baena's signing would have given Barça a breather in planning minutes for Pedri. Flick considered him the ideal piece to rotate with guarantees and without losing tactical clarity in the midfield. Now, without that option, the club will have to return to the market and rethink the operation from scratch.
Pedri, meanwhile, continues without a replacement that allows him to manage his load in important matches. The blaugrana sports management is already looking for new alternatives, although none with the same profile and immediate guarantees. Meanwhile, Atlético smiles: they take the player who could have made a difference dressed in blaugrana.
