Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has almost confirmed that Atletico Madrid will be successful in their attempt to sign Alex Baena. The yellow submarine has been in negotiations with Atletico for several weeks, but after his return from the club World Cup, Los Colchoneros seem to have picked up the pace.
Baena was in tears in his last game in La Ceramica and held a farewell speech to the fans, which suggested his exit. Atletico are his leading vaulters and have tried to bring down his price tag. Although Villarreal is open to negotiation, they seem to want at least € 45-50m for the Spain International.
When he had given up the hope that Baena remained, Marcelino told Cadena Ser that he expected that he would leave.
“Yes, practical yes. Well, I don't consider him 'lost' either. I had the pleasure of enjoying this player for a year and a half. Cycli start and end.”
The Villarreal manager even evaluated his fit at Atletico Madrid.
“I am sure that Simeone will find the ideal situation for Baena to get the most out of his game, to offer his entire football talent, and the Atletico fans, the coach, his teammates and he will all be very happy.”
Last week Villarreal confirmed the signing of Alberto Moleiro from Las Palmas, who saw many as a step to cover the output of Baena.
“The signing of Moleiro was done to take into account a situation that was obliged to act sooner or later,” Marcelino confirmed.
One of the ways in which Atletico tried to lower his prize was by including Rodrigo Riquelme in a swap deal of a player. Marcelino confirmed why that would not happen.
“We have two good players that we have full faith in, Moleiro and Yeremy Pino. From today, if nobody leaves, we have completely covered that position. I am not saying that Riquelme is not an interesting player; I think he is a very good player, but now he does not suit us.”
It seems that Atletico wants to move Riquelme this summer, after a season with much less involvement than players or club. The latter is that real betis has made an approach for him.