Álex Baena is Atlético Madrid's main target for the upcoming transfer market. The Villarreal player is a priority for Simeone for the left wing, and the red-and-white club has already approached the player's entourage. Despite interest from Premier League clubs and Barcelona, everything indicated that the colchoneros were favorites to secure his services.
However, according to the latest reports, everything could radically change in the Spanish player's future. According to Relevo, Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli is willing to pay the player's release clause. This is set at 60 million, which poses a serious problem for the red-and-white club and other clubs that had him on their radar.
Villarreal, with no room for maneuver
Villarreal, the club where Baena has emerged as one of the championship's great stars, had no intention of selling the player in this winter market. In fact, both parties had reached a verbal agreement to postpone any possible transfer until the summer. However, the emergence of Al-Ahli has completely changed the scenario.
The Saudi team, which already acquired Gabri Veiga in the summer, has informed Villarreal of its intention to pay the release clause. This means that the Yellow Submarine will have no negotiating power, as, being a clause, everything depends solely on the player's desire.
A million-dollar offer hard to refuse
Beyond the payment of the clause, the financial proposal that Álex Baena has received is enormous. The Spanish midfielder would receive an astronomical salary if he decides to make the leap to Saudi football. Although he has always shown his desire to continue competing in Europe and has rejected significant offers in the past, the current situation could make him change his mind.
The player faces a complicated dilemma regarding his future. Aspiring to play in elite clubs like Atlético Madrid or making the leap to an emerging league with an irresistible contract.
Complicated situation
In this situation, Atlético Madrid can do little. The red-and-white club can't pay his clause in this transfer market, so they won't be competition. In the summer, things change, but from Arabia, they want to take the Spanish international now.