Tottenham Hotspur FC are reportedly plotting to make a swoop to sign Villarreal Star Alex Baena, per reports from transfer journalist Ekrem Konur. Experts predict that acquiring Baena could provide a big boost to manager Ange Postecoglou’s side.
The Lilywhites enjoyed an exceptional start to last season following the appointment of current manager Ange Postecoglou. However, they stopped short of finishing in fifth, eclipsing Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, the summer transfer window saw Tottenham FC make a handful of acquisitions as the Australian boss sought to rebuild the North London club.
However, the handful of summer purchases have seemingly failed to provide the anticipated instant squad boost, per the team’s impact in the EPL. Spurs are currently 10th in EPL standings with 16 points from 11 games. Consequently, Tottenham are reportedly planning to strengthen their squad in the upcoming January window to help Postecoglou turn the situation around. Announcing the links between Spurs and Villareal star Alex Baena, Konur wrote on his X page that the Lilywhites feel the Spaniard would help the team address its lingering midfield problems.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old signed a contract in the summer of 2023 Villareal slated to hold till 2028 with a release clause of 50 million pounds in his current contract. Should his transfer value and terms remain the same by the January transfer window, Tottenham may be preparing to part with Villareal’s monetary terms and hopefully get Baena’s consent to join the North London side.
More on Baena’s Profile and Potential Transfer to Tottenham
“Playing for Barcelona would be one of my biggest dreams – it’s the best team in the world” – Alex Baena
This quote from the man himself means there’s a lot of hurdles ahead for Spurs in their pursuit. The renowned journalist who broke the news already says purchasing Baena won’t be as straightforward for Spurs – not because of complex transfer terms, but because of potentially stiff competition. The youngster is also reportedly within the tracking radar of top clubs around Europe like Barcelona (a club he is in love with), Atletico Madrid, and Manchester City. EPL sides Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also reportedly on the lookout for the midfielder towards possibly hiring his services during the next transfer window.
Reports claim that Aston Villa has been informed that a 52 million pound bid would be sufficient to sign him. Baena is worth the multiple interests from Europe’s top sides. The Villareal star remains a versatile player in the middle of the park – a trait he looks fit to easily express at any team he joins. Meanwhile, he’s shown remarkable prowess for being able to play on the flanks alongside in the attacking midfield and box-to-box roles. Although recently, Baena has been showcasing his best skills at Estadio de la Ceramica as a left-winger.
Meanwhile, Spurs have problems on the flanks – with multiple injury cases across the squad. Hopefully, though, the coming of South Korean teenager and forward Yang Min-hyeok next month should ease Postecoglou’s burdens in this area. Yet, Baena’s expertise and records at the Spanish La Liga are one that the power brokers at White Hart Lane couldn’t overlook.
In 10 league starts for Villareal, Baena has scored a solitary goal and provided five assists so far this season. Meanwhile, his eye-catching abilities have secured his place in Spain’s squad. The Spaniard registered his first goals for his nation in a Nations League encounter against Serbia last month, declaring himself a noteworthy midfielder that fans and managers can expect a fine performance going forward.
During the 2023/24 season, Baena netted twice and provided 13 assists in 33 La Liga appearances, sealing his spot as a top assist provider in the Spanish top flight. Baena’s agent is Joshua Narmett, of CAA Base. Barnett interestingly also represents Eberechi Eze, another player Tottenham was reportedly monitoring ahead of the summer transfer window.
Tottenham’s Squad Analysis
Meanwhile, a proper look at Tottenham’s midfield department shows a lack of depth, technically due to the absence of players like Baena. So, getting Baena’s services could make an excellent acquisition should Tottenham hire him. The North London team has suffered recent losses that has put the team under much scrutiny. In one of such losses to Brighton, manager Ange Postecoglou was deflated. After the game, the Australian said, ‘‘I’m absolutely gutted”. He went ahead to add, “that is probably the worst defeat we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
As for Baena, the youngster looks poised to fit hand-in-glove into Tottenham’s team and provide competition for the likes of James Maddison, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson. However, what we’re unsure about is whether the North London club will make a concrete approach to signing the Villarreal player during the upcoming winter window. The 22-year-old is considered one of LaLiga’s top young talents, following a spectacular form last season.
Looking Forward to the January Transfer Window
As the January transfer window gets closer, many teams are exploring moves to improve the quality of their squad. Tottenham is not left out, with manager Ange Postecoglou reportedly eyeing the signing of Villareal star Alex Baena. With reported interests in the player from several top teams, only time will tell if this deal goes through.
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