Latest news with #AlexBaena
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United enquire about 23-year-old La Liga assist king
Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena has been one of the most consistent and thrilling performers in La Liga over recent seasons, but after turning down a move to Saudi Arabia in January, it looks as if the Yellow Submarine will have to bid farewell to him this summer. Baena has a €60m release clause, and a number of giants in Europe are interested in him. Primarily, Atletico Madrid. Baena has been cited as one of their top targets this summer, and have already opened informal talks with Villarreal to that end. The Yellow Submarine have noted that they would be willing to accept around €50m for Baena, but Atletico are considering trying to bring the price down by including a player in the deal. Either way, Eduardo Burgos has reported that Los Colchoneros are hopeful about sealing a deal for Baena before the Club World Cup in June. He does say that no formal negotiations have taken place though, and explains that Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also enquired about Baena's services. Presumably the price tag would not be an issue for either of those sides. Photo by EPA Baena has again been in fine form this season, having managed to break into the Spain team last summer, playing a role in their Euro 2024 victory, and a starring spot in their Olympic gold medal just weeks later. This season Baena has played 28 games, scoring six times and giving eight assists. Over the last two seasons, no player has given more assists than Baena in Spain, reaching a remarkable 18 assists in all competitions, although Villarreal were in the Europa League last season. Skilled at set pieces, with excellent vision and a competitive edge, if anything it is surprising that Baena was not the subject of more interest last summer. Aston Villa did make an approach, and Baena has expressed admiration for Barcelona in the past.
Sharjah 24
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Mbappe double secures Real Madrid 2-1 win at Villarreal
Villarreal takes the early lead The hosts opened the scoring in the seventh minute when a corner from Alex Baena was deflected by Aurelien Tchouameni, allowing Juan Foyth to score from close range. Real Madrid responds Real Madrid responded quickly, leveling the match just 10 minutes later. Mbappe pounced on a blocked shot by Brahim Diaz, and the ball landed at his feet for a close-range finish. Mbappe's quick fire brace Six minutes after the equalizer, the French international scored his 20th league goal of the season. He latched on to a through ball from Lucas Vazquez and calmly slotted it home. Hat-trick denied Mbappe had a chance to complete his hat-trick in the second half when he connected with a through ball from Vinicius Jr. However, the offside flag was raised, denying him the third goal. Ancelotti's frustration over tight schedule Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed frustration over the tight schedule, referencing the demanding Champions League shootout victory against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. "It's the last time we'll play a game with less than 72 hours' rest," he stated. Real Madrid on top of LaLiga With the win, Real Madrid tops the LaLiga table with 60 points, three ahead of second-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand after their match with Osasuna was postponed. Real Madrid will face third-placed Atletico on Sunday.
Reuters
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Mbappe double secures Real Madrid 2-1 win at Villarreal
VILLARREAL, Spain, March 15 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe scored twice to help Real Madrid fight back to beat Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday and move provisionally top of the LaLiga standings. The hosts opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Alex Baena's corner was deflected by Aurelien Tchouameni, allowing Juan Foyth to score from close range. Real Madrid levelled 10 minutes later when Mbappe pounced on Brahim Diaz's blocked shot and the ball landed at his feet for a close-range finish. Six minutes later, the French international scored his 20th league goal of the season, latching on to Lucas Vazquez's through ball and slotting home. Real top LaLiga on 60 points, three clear of second-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand and face third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
€60m La Liga star turns down Saudi Arabia move
Numerous players have swapped La Liga for Saudi Arabia in the last 18 months, but for now at least, one of them won't be Alex Baena. The 23-year-old has been subjected to significant speculation over the last 24 hours, but it will be immaterial in the end. Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that Al Ahli had signalled their intent to sign Baena before the Saudi Pro League's transfer window closes on Friday. They were prepared to pay the €60m release clause in his Villarreal contract, making them the only club to do so, despite interest from Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa. However, despite receiving a contract offer worth an estimated €18m per year, Relevo have reported that Baena has knocked back the advances of Al Ahli, and at the very least, he will see out the season at Villarreal. According to the report, Baena made a pact with Villarreal president Fernando Roig prior to the winter transfer window opening earlier this month, in which he promised that he would not leave the club mid-season. As such, it was an easy decision for him to turn down the offer from Al Ahli, despite the money being thrown at him. Villarreal is the club of Baena's life, and he is keen to help them secure Champions League qualification at the end of the season. He could opt to leave at this point, with Atleti one of the clubs preparing to make their move for the 23-year-old playmaker in the season, at which point the Yellow Submarine would accept an offer in the region of €50m. It is excellent news for Villarreal that Baena is going nowhere for now, and it certainly boosts their chances of finishing inside La Liga's top four. Marcelino Garcia Toral's side will hope to take a step closer when they host Real Valladolid this weekend.
