Atlético Madrid identify Villarreal star as ‘priority’ transfer target for next summer | OneFootball

The powers that be at Atlético Madrid have set their sights on the signature of Villarreal star Álex Baena with a view to next summer.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who have confirmed that Diego Simeone and co. consider the Spanish international the ideal addition to the club’s attacking ranks.

Baena, for his part, has long been making a name for himself as one of the standout creative talents in La Liga.

After racking up a head-turning 18 assists across all competitions last season, the 23-year-old has since laid on a further five goals for his teammates in eight appearances in 2024/25.

Such endeavours have not gone at all unnoticed across the continent, amid mounting interest in Baena’s signature on the part of some of Europe’s leading clubs.

And, as alluded to above, one such club whose interest has this weekend been made known comes in the form of Atlético Madrid.

As per a report from MD:

‘Already established in the elite, with a great future ahead of him, with the ability to create in the middle and also to make that final pass, with the ability to get to the goal and as the executor in set pieces, Álex Baena is a priority signing for Atlético.’

Conor Laird – GSFN