Barcelona transfer news: Catalan giants given major boost 'in pursuit' of £41m-rated attacker

The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for Villarreal during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring three times and registering five assists in 14 La Liga appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona are believed to be interested in the Spain international, with the Catalan outfit thought to be considering making a move for him during next summer's transfer window.

Baena has called Villarreal 'the club of his life', but the attacker, who has been capped on eight occasions by European champions Spain, admitted that a top-10 club in world football would appeal to him.

Barcelona are believed to be interested in signing Baena

"I have always said, and I will always say that in order to leave Villarreal, it would have to be a better team, and a better team than Villarreal would be a 'top 10' in the world," Baena told Relevo.

"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 of us.

"I try not to look, they always send me things or they 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 come your way and you are always focused on what you do and what you can do now."

Baena has been with Villarreal since 2011, progressing through the various youth teams at the club before making his first-team debut in 2020, and he has managed 22 goals and 35 assists in 130 appearances for their senior side.

Where would Baena play for Barcelona?

Baena largely operates as a left-sided attacker, but he would struggle to feature in that area of the field at Barcelona due to the presence of Raphinha, who is having an outstanding campaign.

The attacker has managed 16 goals and 10 assists in 22 appearances for Barcelona, while Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski are also certainties in the final third of the field.

Baena would represent a valuable rotation option for Barcelona, though, and he has proven his class in Spain this season, particularly of late, netting in two of his last three appearances.

Much would depend on price, as Barcelona are not in a position to pay a huge fee for the Spaniard, but transfermarkt have placed a valuation of around €50m (£41m) on the attacker.

Written by

Matt Law