Atletico Madrid has clear on their first signing of the summer: A European champion

Atlético de Madrid has set signing Álex Baena, a Spanish midfielder from Villarreal, as a priority for the upcoming summer transfer window and is preparing a significant offer to secure him. The Atleti's sports management is convinced that the 23-year-old, with his vision and creative ability, would be a key addition to Diego Pablo Simeone's scheme.

Baena has shone in the last two seasons as one of the standout players in La Liga. His performance at Villarreal, where he has scored four goals and provided five assists in 17 matches this season, has established him as a fundamental piece in midfield. The technical quality and tactical intelligence he brings have not only caught Atleti's attention but also that of Premier League teams, complicating the possibility of a straightforward transfer.

Villarreal won't let him go easily

Aware of the high competition, Atlético would be willing to make a financial effort to secure the signing. However, Villarreal could demand the full payment of the player's release clause, set at 60 million euros, to let him go. This scenario adds pressure on the Madrid side, who must balance their financial planning after significant investments in recent seasons.

Signing Baena would not only strengthen the creative aspect in midfield but also represent a strategic move to compete at the highest level in both La Liga and European competitions. As Simeone seeks to revitalize his team with young talents, the interest in Baena reflects Atlético's ambition to remain among the elite in Spanish and European football.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Atlético tiene claro su primer fichaje del verano: Un campeón de Europa