Villarreal star Alex Baena talks about the future: “I have always said that…”

Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena has a serious case to say that he has been one of Spain’s best players this season and, with 8 goals in 14 games, he is one of the most creative in the division. The 23-year-old has also begun to venture into the Spanish team.

That has not gone unnoticed, and although Barcelona signed their rival for a place in La Roja’s starting XI in Dani Olmo, he has been linked in the past. Baena would also be interested in moving to Catalonia. Atlético de Madrid and Aston Villa are also credited with interest in the Olympic and Euro 2024 champions in recent months.

🚨🔴⚪️ Diego Simeone’s Atlético de Madrid is the team with the most ball recoveries (250) so far in this year’s Champions League.@brand pic.twitter.com/aOeKCi2p5C

— Universo Atlético (@architetturauniverse) December 11, 2024

Baena spoke to the media this Wednesday and explained that if he ever leaves Villarreal it will be for a top-level club.

“I have always said, and I will always say, that to leave Villarreal it would have to be a better team, and a better team than Villarreal would be a ‘top 10’ team in the world. I have always said that Villarreal is the club of my life and that I am happy here. If that opportunity ever comes, we will look at everything for the good of both,” he told Relevo.

However, he is currently trying to insulate himself from any speculation.

Deco is working to sign full-backs next summer and Marc Pubill, Devyne Rensch, Vanderson and Caio Henrique. At the same time, Álex Valle is being closely monitored. @joaquimpiera

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 11, 2024

“I try not to look, they always send me things or come to me, but nothing. I am focused on finishing the season at Villarreal, and on continuing here, which is where I am best and happiest. In the end things turn out well for you and you are always focused on what you do and what you can do now.”

La Liga’s top assister last season, he currently sits fourth on that table, with stars Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Junior the only ones who can surpass him. For Spain, he has already scored two goals in his first eight international matches, despite having started only three times.