Madrid, July 02 (QNA) - Atletico Madrid have officially announced the signing of Spanish international midfielder Alex Baena from Villarreal on a five-year contract that runs until June 30, 2030.

The 23-year-old joins the Rojiblancos after a standout 2024-25 season in which he recorded seven goals and nine assists in La Liga, and led the league in chances created with 95, nearly double that of Atletico’s top playmaker Antoine Griezmann. The transfer fee is reported to be €42 million, with potential add-ons bringing the total to 55 million Euros.

Baena, who came through Villarreal’s academy, made 148 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 40 assists across all competitions. He was part of the Villarreal squad that won the 2021 UEFA Europa League, and played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and Olympic gold medal win in Paris.

Atletico Madrid view Baena as a creative force to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2025–26 season, especially following their early exit from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup despite a final group-stage win over Botafogo. (QNA)