One of the big surprises of the winter market was the offer that Villarreal received for Álex Baena from Saudi Arabia. Specifically, Al-Ahli was willing to pay the 60 million of his clause and offer the player an exorbitant salary, although everything was rejected. Evidently, the decision was exclusively the player's, as the Yellow Submarine couldn't do anything if they paid his release clause.
Meanwhile, his move to Atlético de Madrid is still alive, as he is the main target for the red and whites for the next summer market. It won't be an easy operation, as many important clubs in Europe will try to take the midfielder once this season ends. The positive side is that Álex Baena himself would look favorably on arriving at the Metropolitano, even if it means a sacrifice in the sports management.
The plan with Álex Baena
The Spanish international has risen as one of the stars of LaLiga thanks to his good level at Villarreal for several years, being an international with the national team. He lifted the Euro Cup and won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, something that demonstrates his great role in Spain. Obviously, Atlético de Madrid has been keeping an eye on his evolution for some time and will try to close his transfer for the next season.
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Álex Baena received an almost irresistible offer from Saudi Arabia, having been able to earn a salary of 18 million euros annually (19.8 million dollars annually), although he rejected it. The player has already publicly admitted that he will only leave Villarreal to join one of the most important teams on the continent. Additionally, he had promised not to leave in the winter market, something that could affect the Yellow Submarine's goal of entering European competitions.
Exchange at the Metropolitano
The news in the colchonero team is that there has been no movement in this winter market, neither reinforcements nor any departures. Names like Thomas Lemar, Reinildo, or Alexander Sorloth had been linked with different teams, although none have left the red and white club. One of the latest reports suggests that Simeone could open the door to a player who hasn't had prominence this year.
This is Rodrigo Riquelme, who has too much competition ahead and hasn't adapted to the new scheme used by the Argentine coach. In fact, Napoli had been mentioned as a possible destination for the red and white youth player after the departure of Kvaratskhelia, although that path wasn't finalized. If this situation doesn't improve, everything points to sitting down with the sports management and seeking the best solution for both parties.