Barcelona face Aston Villa competition for €60m La Liga star

Cameron Smith

22 Oct 2023 14:35 BST
3 min read

Barcelona are set to face serious competition for Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena, as Aston Villa have made the Spaniard a “priority” signing, according to reports.

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Villa boss Unai Emery is reportedly keen on being reunited with Baena after the pair spent time together during Emery’s stint as Villarreal head coach.

Baena, 22, was linked with a move to Villa Park during the summer, but the Midlands side opted to sign Nicolo Zaniolo on loan from Galatasaray instead.

Furthermore, Aston Villa signed Pau Torres from Villarreal for €33 million this summer, while Moussa Diaby became the club’s all time record signing courtesy of his €55m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

Barcelona are also interested in signing Baena, with Xavi reportedly a fan, but their financial issues may mean a deal is tricky to complete.

The Blaugrana’s most expensive signing this summer was Oriol Romeu, who joined from Girona for €3.4m, while Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez arrived on free transfers and Portuguese duo Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo were signed on loan.

As a result, Villa may be Baena’s most likely destination, and Spanish outlet Fichajes have reported that he is now Emery’s “priority” signing.

Baena to leave Villarreal?

Manchester United have been linked previously too, but the Red Devils signed Mason Mount during the most recent transfer window and are likely to pursue other targets.

Baena has a €60m release clause in his current Villarreal contract, which was increased from €35m at the start of the year, as per reports.

As a result, the Spanish club may well demand his release clause is paid in full to sanction a sale.

Baena has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €18.2m, which has risen from €10.2m at the start of 2023.

He has scored one goal and provided four assists in eight La Liga matches so far this season.