Atletico Madrid made a first move in the summer transfer window, while they opened conversations with Villarreal for Spain playmaker Alex Baena. The 23-year-old has had a good season in La Ceramica, but after rejecting an offer from Saudi Arabia in January, it seems ready to take on a new challenge.
Baena has been associated with Barcelona and Aston Villa in the past, but neither has made a solid move for him. His tearing goodbye on the last day of the season at the Villarreal fans seemed to suggest that an exit was, however,. There is a release clause of € 55 million in its deal, but Atletico wants to bring that price down.
As was reported last week, Atletico wants to lower the costs of the deal by including midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme in the deal. Cadena Ser says that negotiations are going on and Villarreal loves Riquelme, who, according to them, fits their project. His salary is also affordable for the yellow submarine. Both clubs are aware of the economic demands of both players and are working on closing the deal in the coming days – it seems that Atletico Baena wants to have available for the club World Cup in June.
After a promising first campaign in the Metropolitano after several loan spells, Riquelme faded from the photo in Atletico. This season the 25-year-old only one goal and one assist succeeded in 846 minutes. Only eight of his 26 performances had started, but in theory he can play a similar role as the Villarreal star. Baena, on the other hand, was always present for Villarreal and led the midfielders of La Liga with 10 assists, and added seven goals this year, making it in the team of the season. He adds a lot to an Atletico side that occasionally struggled for service, which was highly dependent on Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo de Paul.