Barcelona Like 21-Year-Old Midfielder, But Move ‘Impossible’ Due To €60m Release Clause
Apart from Ilkay Gundogan and a pivot midfielder, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is keen on adding another attack-minded midfielder to his ranks this summer so as to improve the supply line to striker Robert Lewandowski, especially in the absence of Pedri.
It has led to links with Villarreal starlet Alex Baena, who enjoyed a promising 2022/23 campaign.
Barcelona like Baena a lot. But, making a move for him in the upcoming summer transfer window is seen as impossible due to the midfielder’s age and his release clause amount, which stands at €60 million.
Baena is a product of the Villarreal youth academy and enjoyed a fine breakthrough campaign in 2022/23 after spending a season away on loan at Girona in 2021/22.
The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder finished the last season with a return of 12 goals and six assists from 48 matches across all competitions.
Given his impressive performances, Villarreal tied Baena down to a new contract in January earlier this year, extending his stay at El Madrigal until the summer of 2028.
As part of the new contract, the Yellow Submarine also increased the value of his release clause amount, which is now believed to be €60 million.
That valuation puts him out of Barcelona’s range for the moment due to the Catalans’ financial situation. Furthermore, given his development, Villarreal are also very reluctant to lose him at this point.
These factors combined have rendered the signing of Baena by the La Liga champions ‘impossible’ heading into the summer.
The Blaugrana, however, are keeping tabs on Baena’s former Villarreal teammate Giovani Lo Celso, who will be returning to his parent club, Tottenham Hotspur, imminently as his loan spell with the La Liga club has run down.
