With the season soon coming to a close, FC Barcelona are scouring the Spanish market for up-and-coming talents that could improve the team in the coming summer.
Alex Baena, to that end, has emerged as one of Barça’s potential targets. The 22-year-old midfielder, known for his impressive assist record, is admired by both the sporting department and technical staff.
While Baena’s versatility – playing both as an interior midfielder and a false left winger – perfectly aligns with Barcelona’s needs. Baena, for his part, has expressed his desire to play for the Catalans in the past.
However, his hefty €55-60 million release clause presents a significant financial hurdle for cash-strapped Barça.
The astronomical asking price makes a straightforward transfer unlikely. But here’s where things get interesting: Barça might have a trump card up their sleeve.
Here’s how Barcelona can ease Baena operation
According to Diario SPORT, Villarreal are also keen to bolster their squad with young talent. Here’s where a potential player-plus-cash deal comes into play.
Villarreal have been closely monitoring several promising players from Barça’s La Masia academy who have already broken into the first-team scene.
Remember Ilias Akhomach? His recent rise to prominence serves as a perfect example. Villarreal’s interest in such players presents an opportunity for Barcelona to ease the financial burden of acquiring Baena.
Barça could thus offer a lower transfer fee for Baena, combined with one of their promising youngsters.
This move would benefit both clubs: Barcelona would land their coveted target with a reduced financial outlay, while Villarreal could secure a talented young player in addition to a significant transfer fee.
