Aston Villa targeting move for Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena

Aston Villa are considering a summer swoop for Villarreal star Alex Baena.

With fourth place in the Premier League and Champions League qualification all but sealed for the Villans, Unai Emery will be keen to bolster his squad and try to make an impact across all competitions from the start of the 2024/25 campaign. The Spaniard is set to capitalise on the club’s stellar campaign and make key additions to his squad over the summer transfer window starting mid-June.

Aston Villa have started scouring the market for reinforcements, with Villarreal’s Alex Baena reportedly emerging as a key target. Unai Emery has previously worked with the Spain under-21 international at Villarreal and has demanded football director Monchi bring him to Villa Park next season. Under his leadership, the midfielder came into Villareal’s first team a couple of years ago.

Baena, 22, has enjoyed a strong season with the Yellow Submarine, racking up five goals and supplying 17 assists from 43 games across all competitions, operating predominantly on the left-hand side of the pitch. The Villans are admirers of the player but he is currently under contract at Villarreal until 2028, protected by a buyout clause of €60million.

Barcelona are also interested in Baena, while Tottenham Hotspur have closely followed his developments this term. However, the Spaniard appears content at the Spanish club and is in no rush to jump ship.

Unai Emery eyeing reunion with Alex Baena at Villa Park

Aston Villa have had a taste of Europe this season, and while their Europa Conference League adventure came to an end at the hands of Greek giants FC Olympiakos, their position in the Premier League has given them the platform to play in the Champions League in 2024/25. It is just a reward for all the hard work, energy, commitment and desire that Emery, his coaching staff, players and Monchi have put in over the last 12 months to make it happen.

Certainly, a deeper squad will be required if the Villans want to seriously compete in the Champions League and that would ask for quality additions. They must grab their chances in Europe’s biggest competition with both hands by making smart signings during the summer transfer window.

Villarreal star Alex Baena is understood to be on Villa’s radar. The 22-year-old is capable of playing in multiple attacking positions, and having worked under Emery, he could potentially thrive at Villa. He will add goals, flair and creativity to the Villa midfield, as demonstrated by his 22-goal contributions for Villarreal this term. The Spanish under-21 international would also add more depth to Emery’s squad whilst being an understudy to Leon Bailey next season.

Baena has a €60million buyout clause in his contract, which Villa could feel a bit steep to trigger. So, the West Midlands club could try negotiating a fee with Villarreal to sign the midfielder, and given the club will play in the Champions League, Baena could be tempted to leave Estadi de La Ceramica and reunite with Emery.