Atletico bolster attacking ranks with Baena signing from Villarreal

Atletico Madrid’s summer rebuild continued after they announced the arrival of Villarreal’s Alex Baena on Wednesday.

Baena, who will provide Diego Simeone with an exciting addition on the left side of his attack, has signed a five-year deal for a reported €50 million transfer fee.

The 23-year-old follows Matteo Ruggeri through the doors at Metropolitano, with Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso also set to join the club in the coming days.

Baena had a standout season in 2024-25, registering 16 goal involvements (seven goals, nine assists), with only Ayoze Perez (21) having more in LaLiga for Villarreal.

His nine assists was a total only bettered by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (13) in the top flight, but his impressive statistics do not stop there.

The Spaniard created 95 chances in LaLiga in 2024-25, more than any other player in the division, and 47 more than Atletico’s top playmaker Antoine Griezmann (48).

¡Bienvenido, Álex Baena!

Acuerdo con el @VillarrealCF para el traspaso del internacional español, que firma por cinco temporadas con nuestro club. pic.twitter.com/2ecxeQZcf3

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) July 2, 2025

Baena ends his time with Villarreal having made 148 appearances across all competitions, scoring 26 goals as well as providing 40 assists.

He was part of Unai Emery’s team that beat Manchester United in the Europa League final back in 2020-21.

Atletico are also reportedly seeking to strike a deal with Tottenham Hotspur for defender Cristian Romero to bolster their backline.