Atletico Madrid, eliminated from the groups of the Club World Cup, continues to be quite active in the transfer market and has practically arranged a third new addition, sportal.bg reported.
After American midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Betis and Atalanta left-back Matteo Ruggeri, now the “rojiblancos” will attract Spanish international Alex Baena from Villarreal.
According to the media in Spain and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Atleti will pay 45 million euros for the 23-year-old winger plus another 5 million euros in the form of possible bonuses. The player himself is also pushing for the transfer, and is expected to undergo medical examinations soon.
Baena, who can also play behind the striker, has been part of Villarreal since 2020, and last season he had 33 matches in which he scored 7 goals and gave 10 assists for the “yellow submarine”, contributing significantly to the team's qualification for the Champions League. He also has 9 matches and 2 goals for the Spanish national team, taking part in the final of the Nations League against Portugal and scoring a penalty, but “La Furia” conceded.
Alex Baena was involved in a scandal in April 2023 with a player from Atletico's big city rival Federico Valverde from Real Madrid. Then the Uruguayan ambushed the rival in the parking lot in front of the “Bernabeu” after the match between the “yellow submarine” and the Royal Club, punching him.
The explanation was that Baena had made a remark to the Real Madrid player about Valverde's unborn child. Valverde was investigated for this act, but was ultimately not punished, and the Spaniard categorically denied having said such things.