In a recent report , journalist Mark Brus mentioned that Manchester City are locked in a three-way battle for Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena. It is believed that the Mancunian giants would have to rival Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the race to land the Spanish wide player.
Baena has made an excellent start to this campaign as he put in a few productive displays for Atletico Madrid in the final third. The 25-year-old has scored three goals and grabbed one assist in three appearances for Diego Simeone's side in the league.
The Spanish talent is currently among the most talented wingers in La Liga. Hence, Man City would do well to lure him to the Etihad Stadium next year.
His current contract at the Madrid club will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for the Mancunian giants to snap him up on the cheap this January or at the end of the campaign.
MADRID, SPAIN – AUGUST 19: Alex Baena of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Malaga CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 19, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Baena is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with it out in the wide areas. He has the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third and can shoot the ball with power from long range.
The Spanish sensation has added some goals and assists to his game this season. Baena is primarily a left-winger but can also serve as a right-sided wide player or play in the number ten position if asked to do so. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if Man City manage to win the race for his services in 2027.
We can expect Baena to add more quality and depth to Enzo Maresca's frontline. He is good enough to challenge for regular first-team football at the Etihad Stadium.
At 25, Baena has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent option for Man City to pursue in this transfer window. He would be well worth the fight, so Maresca should focus on recruiting him next year.
