Spain international urges Barcelona to activate €60m release clause
The 22-year-old has established himself as an important first-team player for Villarreal over the last few seasons since returning from a productive loan spell at Girona in 2021-22.
Baena, a versatile midfielder who can also operate in attack, has made a total of 111 senior appearances for the Yellow Submarine, scoring 19 goals and registering 28 assists.
No Villarreal player has made more appearances than Baena (41) in all competitions so far this season, with the two-cap Spain international contributing with five goals and 16 assists, including a La Liga-high 12 assists.
Baena's impressive performances are understood to have caught the eye of a number of clubs including Barcelona, whom the youngster has aspirations of representing at some stage in his career.
Baena dreams of playing for BarcelonaResponding to rumours linking him with Barca, Baena told Cadena SER: «Who wouldn't like to go to Barca? Playing for Barcelona is one of the biggest dreams.
»It is one of the best clubs in the world. Any player in the world would like to play for Barcelona. But I am in the club of my life and I'm also happy to be here.
«Nothing has happened to me or those around me. We are focused on finishing the season well.»
Baena, who has over four years remaining on his contract, added: «I think that [the release clause] should be discussed with Fernando Roig (Villarreal's owner and president), but the €60m will have to be paid if they want me to leave.»
Can Barcelona afford to sign Baena?Barcelona have been hamstrung by their well-documented financial troubles in recent years and
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