Atletico Madrid agree €50m deal to sign Alex Baena | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid are inching closer towards signing Alex Baena after reaching an agreement with Villarreal (h/t Fabrizio Romano).

After receiving the green light from Baena earlier, Atletico have now found a breakthrough in the negotiations with the Yello Submarine over the final transfer fee.

They will pay €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses for the Spanish playmaker, who will sign a five-year contract until 2030.

Baena will undergo his medicals once the final details of the deal are sorted out. He is expected to be part of Atletico’s pre-season next season.

The 23-year-old has risen to prominence as one of the best young talents in Europe by displaying impressive consistency at Villarreal.

The La Roja international bagged seven goals and 10 assists in the 2024/25 season to help Marcelino’s side qualify for the Champions League. He recorded five goals and 18 assists in the previous campaign.

He has predominantly functioned as a left winger but can pull strings as an attacking midfielder.

Despite attracting interest from European heavyweights, Atletico have won the race for Baena.

Manager Diego Simeone believes Baena can bring more freshness and creativity to the attack.

The Argentine sees the Spaniard as an integral member in the quest to compete on all fronts next season.

Atletico are also closing in on the signings of Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso and Atalanta defender Matteo Ruggeri as part of the summer overhaul.

They are exploring a move for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero, whose price tag has been set at £60 million.