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 journalist Fabrizio Romano).

After receiving the green light from Baena, Atletico have now reached a breakthrough in the negotiations with Villarreal over the final transfer fee.

They will pay €45 million plus €5m 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 preparations.

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

He bagged seven goals and 10 assists this season to help Marcelino’s side qualify for the Champions League. He recorded five goals and 18 assists in the previous campaign.

Baena has predominantly functioned as a left winger but can also play an attacking midfielder.

Manager Diego Simeone believes Baena can bring more freshness and creativity to Atletico’s attack.

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

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