Joan Laporta has been keeping a close eye on him for some time now and has even considered activating his release clause, valued at 60 million euros, on several occasions. But now it seems that Álex Baena's destiny could lie with Atlético.
The information is public and well-known, having reached Laporta's ears. In recent days, both Gavi and Pedri, good friends of Álex Baena's, have informed the president of Barça that his transfer is in jeopardy.
Alex Baena has become a priority for Atlético, according to Mundo Deportivo, to the point that they could discuss his arrival in the next January transfer market.
He has a contract with Villarreal until 2028, which refers to his 60-million clause. There will be no negotiation: Whoever wants the best assistant in Spain will have to pay 60 million euros.
In any case, Joan Laporta has taken this information calmly. The president is playing with a card in his favor that Atlético doesn't have and that could end up turning the tables.
Alex Baena Wants to Play for Barça
He's never hidden it when he was questioned. Álex Baena is a Barça fan and would love to wear the blue and maroon jersey. Everyone knows this, including Laporta, who hopes to convince him to wait before leaving Villarreal.
At the moment, Barça can't pay the 60 million euros that appear in his release clause, but they have a few players that Villarreal likes.
If Laporta were able to keep Álex Baena on the sidelines and negotiate his transfer next summer, Villarreal would agree to lower their price with the arrival of some players.
This is the case of players like Pablo Torre or Lenglet, who are very popular with Villarreal and could reduce the 60-million euro clause that appears in Álex Baena's contract.
Alex Baena: Transfer for 40 million
Although his release clause is 60 million euros, Barcelona is confident that it can close the deal for around 40 million. Although Baena has a contract with Villarreal until 2028, his desire to play for Barça is well known, something that could facilitate negotiations between the two clubs. In several interviews, Baena has made it clear that wearing the Barça jersey is one of his greatest dreams, which could be a decisive factor in the ongoing transfer
Pedri and Gavi are already dreaming of a squad with Álex Baena and Dani Olmo: a group of young Spanish players, to whom Fermín, Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal must be added. Laporta will have to hurry since Atlético is stalking him and could take him before then...