Baena: The Key Piece for Atlético's Future?
Atlético de Madrid is already planning the 2025-26 season, seeking that leap in quality to boost the team. One of the priorities is to find a player who connects the midfield with the attack, bringing fluidity to the game.
The name that resonates strongly is that of Álex Baena, the young talent from Villarreal. At 23 years old, Baena presents himself as a solution for that missing link in midfield. His ability to combine and deliver precise balls to forwards like Julián Alvarez could be crucial.
Atlético has missed players with those characteristics, recalling the pause and class of Arda Turan, the more assist-oriented version of Koke, or the unbalancing of Carrasco. The left wing has been a challenge for Simeone, looking for alternatives such as Lino, Gallagher, and Riquelme.
However, Baena could be the definitive solution. An international with the Spanish national team, Baena stands out for his quality, character, and great set-piece striking, adapting perfectly to the left profile of the attack.
Atlético is also attentive to the situation of De Paul, whose contract ends in 2026. If the Argentine decides to leave, the club will look for a guaranteed replacement, with Javi Guerra as an option already considered in the past.
Baena’s arrival adds to the search for a quality pivot to further strengthen the team. Atlético fans eagerly await these possible signings, trusting that they will provide that necessary boost to achieve the goals.
