Atlético de Madrid couldn't get past a 1-1 draw at home against Villarreal last Saturday. The red-and-whites have dropped points for the second consecutive matchday, now trailing Real Madrid by four points. Beyond the result, the match had a clear protagonist, Álex Baena, the 23-year-old Spanish midfielder.
For several months, it has been known that Atlético de Madrid is very interested in him, and he was under a lot of scrutiny. Far from succumbing to the pressure, Baena demonstrated the kind of player he is, controlling his team's play and constantly creating danger. After the match, the Spaniard and Alexander Sorloth were involved in an image that is generating a lot of buzz.
Sorloth as an Intermediary
Atlético de Madrid often considers Villarreal a very interesting club for signing players. This summer, the red-and-white club paid nearly 40 million euros (approximately 44 million dollars) for the Norwegian forward, but it didn't stop there. According to various reports, Atleti secured a preferential option to purchase Álex Baena, a player highly favored by Simeone.
After last Saturday's match, an image emerged that has sparked a great deal of opinions on social media. Several cameras captured Baena and Sorloth talking after the match, on the Metropolitano's field. Many people speculate that Atlético de Madrid's forward was trying to convince his former teammate to sign for the Madrid club.
The Signing Dreamed of by Simeone
Since this summer, it has been known that Baena is a signing that Diego Pablo Simeone dreams of. The Argentine coach sees the Spanish player as a perfect fit for his four-midfielder scheme, placing him on the left wing. In addition to his quality in play, he poses a significant threat on set pieces, as he demonstrated on Saturday at the Metropolitano.
With a release clause of 60 million euros (approximately 66 million dollars), Villarreal knows this could be their star's last season at the club. Atlético de Madrid will make a move for him this summer, making him a priority for the next transfer market.