THE WINGER IS WORTH THE SAME AS NICO WILLIAMS
Barça does not rule out a Villarreal figure for the left flank
Published:5/01/2025 - 23:13h
Updated:5/01/2025 - 23:14h
FC Barcelona has several left wingers in mind as possible alternatives to Nico Williams. One of the 'stars' that remains on the Barça radar is Álex Baena
The FC Barcelona board will go all out in 2025 for a left winger. In addition to Nico Williams, there are several alternatives on the Barça radar and, while Joan Laporta leans towards a 'top' reinforcement, there are also very interesting options in the Spanish market. Barça has always had a weakness for local talent and, should they rule out the Athletic Club star, Villarreal also has an ideal player for Hansi Flick's scheme.
We are talking about none other than Álex Baena, a player who has been sounding in the Barça environment for months. According to 'SPORT', the Roquetas de Mar native has several offers to leave El Madrigal next summer, as his release clause is not very high and several big clubs in the Premier League are keeping a close eye on him. In that sense, the 23-year-old player seems inclined to try his luck abroad, although an offer from Barça could undoubtedly make him change his mind.
Álex Baena would arrive in Barcelona for the same price as Nico Williams
Baena has a contract until 2028 and Villarreal has set his exit price at 60 million euros, the same amount it would cost to bring in Nico Williams. In the 2024/25 season, the numbers of the 23-year-old player actually surpass those of the '11' from Athletic. Álex has 4 goals and 5 assists in 17 matches (1,309 minutes), while the Basque forward has only scored a couple of goals in 24 appearances (1,683') in which he has also provided 5 assists.
In 2024, the '16' from Villarreal praised Barça when asked about a possible Barça offer, although he made it clear that he is happy at the 'Yellow Submarine'. "Who wouldn’t want to play for Barça? It is the best team in the world, but I am at the club of my life, which is where I started and I hope to be here for many years," commented the Spanish midfielder. Baena was one of Xavi Hernández's favorites for the left flank, but the departure of the Egarense and the great Eurocup of the younger Williams cooled Barça's interest in the Andalusian player.
