Barça's planning for next season has focused on very specific profiles. Under Hansi Flick's leadership, and with Deco as the architect of the market, they have prioritized wingers and the goalkeeper position. In that context, a Spanish talent has slipped through the hands of the Catalan side.
For months, his name was present in the offices of the Catalan club as a possible piece for the midfield. However, the emergence of Fermín López and Gavi's recovery pushed that option off Barça's radar. The commitment to La Masia once again outweighed the option of going to the market.
A top-level Spanish club has taken advantage of this indecision to secure a highly valuable signing. The player, young, talented, and experienced in LaLiga, will sign for a major club after already saying goodbye to his current team. His transfer has been finalized for a figure close to €45 million (45 millones de euros) plus add-ons.
Simeone wanted him, and now he has him
Atlético de Madrid has been the big beneficiary of this quiet deal. Diego Pablo Simeone had been insisting for weeks on the need to strengthen its midfield with creativity and attacking presence. The rojiblanca sporting management replied quickly, closing the deal in a matter of days.
The footballer has excelled this season at his club, playing more than thirty matches and posting impressive numbers. His ability to combine, break through, and finish plays has made him an offensive reference for his team. Despite his young age, he has shown tactical maturity and consistency throughout the campaign.
Los Colchoneros believe his profile fits perfectly into the new system Simeone is preparing. They want to renew the midfield and give it dynamism, width, and attacking threat from the second line. This deal fits within that strategy, thinking both about the immediate and the long term.
Barça ruled him out in time
From Camp Nou, there were doubts about whether to go after this footballer in the market. He was considered a valid alternative, but not a priority, given Fermín's growth and Gavi's return. The technical management ended up ruling out the deal, convinced that the midfield was sufficiently covered.
Flick had the final say, and although he acknowledged the player's qualities, he preferred other options to strengthen the team. The necessary investment didn't seem excessive, but Deco thought he should keep that margin for other signings. That's why the deal gradually cooled off until it disappeared completely.
Meanwhile, Atlético kept in touch with the footballer's camp and sped up as soon as they got the green light. Enrique Cerezo approved the deal and everything has been completed with discretion and efficiency. The player has already collected his belongings and said goodbye to his teammates, heading to Madrid.
A signing that makes an impact
In Atlético's circles, this deal has been received with enthusiasm for its future projection. The player is a regular in Spain's under-21 national team drafts and is aiming high. His versatility allows him to perform in several midfield positions, even with an attacking profile.
Villarreal has lost one of its greatest gems, but has closed the deal with good profitability. The club needed liquidity and understood that the player wanted to take a competitive leap. For the footballer, this change represents a golden opportunity to establish himself in the national and international elite.
His name: Álex Baena. One of the most promising footballers in Spanish soccer who dreamed of wearing the Barça jersey. But Barça didn't react in time, and now he will strengthen a direct rival in LaLiga wearing the rojiblanca jersey.