Real Madrid are considering a move for Villarreal’s Alex Baena, a talented 22-year-old winger whose impressive performances as an assist provider have captured the attention of top clubs across Europe.

With a market value of around €60 million, Baena has emerged as a player of significant interest, particularly to Aston Villa’s manager Unai Emery, who is eager to bring him to the Premier League.

Baena has made a remarkable impact at Villarreal, featuring in 122 matches and contributing 20 goals and 35 assists. His ability to create scoring opportunities has established him as one of La Liga’s standout young talents. Additionally, Baena’s international experience is noteworthy; he has represented Spain at various youth levels, including under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19, and under-20. Notably, he appeared in the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, and he has also played five times for the senior national team, scoring one goal, which further elevates his profile as a rising star in football.

The current market dynamics surrounding Baena are quite intriguing. Reports indicate that both Aston Villa and Newcastle United are keen to finalize a deal for him as soon as the January transfer window opens. This urgency puts pressure on Real Madrid to act quickly if they hope to secure the player and prevent him from moving to England.

One of the key factors that simplifies Baena’s potential transfer is the existence of a release clause in his contract. This clause allows interested clubs to bypass negotiations with Villarreal entirely, making it easier for them to acquire the young talent. According to sources like Fichajes, Real Madrid is prepared to activate the €60 million release clause should they decide to proceed with the transfer.

However, reports suggest that Real Madrid would prefer to wait until the summer to make their move. This decision could open the door for Aston Villa and Newcastle to capitalize on the situation. If Baena continues to impress during the first half of the season, both Premier League clubs might feel increasingly confident about their chances of securing his signature.

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The competition for Baena’s services underscores the growing interest in young, talented players across Europe. With clubs like Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Newcastle all vying for his signature, the stakes are high. The young Spaniard’s performances in upcoming matches will be pivotal in influencing the decisions of these clubs.

For Real Madrid, securing Baena could add depth and creativity to their squad, complementing their existing talents. Conversely, for Aston Villa and Newcastle, acquiring a player of Baena’s caliber would represent a significant coup, aligning with their ambitions to compete at a higher level in the Premier League.

As the January transfer window approaches, the unfolding scenario surrounding Alex Baena is sure to keep fans and pundits on their toes. Whether he remains in Spain or makes a significant move to the Premier League will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the transfer season.

With various clubs interested, the next few months will be crucial for Baena, as he navigates this pivotal moment in his burgeoning career.

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