In a recent report, Sport mentioned that Barcelona are keen admirers of Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena. It has been stated that the Catalan club are showing interest in recruiting the Spanish talent in the upcoming transfer window.
Baena’s Impressive Form In Spanish Football
The 22-year-old is having a productive campaign at the Spanish club after he put in a series of impressive displays for them in the final third. Baena has scored five goals and picked up 13 assists in 38 appearances for the Yellow Submarine this season across all competitions.
The Spanish attacker has given a good account of himself in the opponent’s half based on his average of 2.0 shots, 2.4 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after making 78.1% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Villarreal will run out in the summer of 2028 which could make it tough for Barca to get a deal done for him on the cheap later this year.
What Will Baena Bring To Barcelona?
Baena is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with the ball on the offensive end of the field. He can shoot the ball with venom from long range and has got the eye to play some decisive passes in and around the opponent’s penalty box.
The Spaniard has done well to chip in by scoring and creating his fair share of goals for Villarreal this season. He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also function as a winger on either flank if required.
At 22, Baena has got a bright future ahead of him which makes him a worthy option for Barcelona to consider at the end of this campaign. We can expect him to bring more goals and creativity to the Catalan club‘s attack. He might even help Barca challenge for some major honours over the next decade.
Baena already knows La Liga well by now and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Nou Camp. Therefore, Barcelona should focus on moving in for him when the transfer window reopens later this summer.
