A smiling man in the foreground inside a soccer stadium with the Real Madrid logo on the field and a blurred figure in a red and white striped jersey in the background
Álex Baena and Fabrizio Romano at Bernabéu | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Fabrizio Romano announces it: Atleti signs Madrid's 'eternal rival' for €50M

Álex Baena has already finalized the agreement with Atlético and will be a rival in the classic, an enemy of the Bernabéu after the incident with Valverde

by

Alex Moreno

Álex Baena will play for Atlético de Madrid. The news has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, a leading journalist in the transfer market. The agreement with Villarreal is complete: €45 million ($48.6 million) fixed plus €5 million ($5.4 million) in add-ons. Only the final details and the medical examination remain.

Baena already gave his "yes" weeks ago. Only the clubs needed to reach an agreement. Atlético are speeding up its transfer market and have already made three signings: Ruggeri, Cardoso, and now Baena.

A signing with intrigue

Baena's arrival at the Metropolitano has an extra element: his controversial past with Real Madrid. He was, and still is, heavily targeted by the Madrid fanbase. His name is always met with whistles at Santiago Bernabéu.

All because of that incident with Fede Valverde in April 2023. After a match between Madrid and Villarreal, Valverde was accused of hitting him in the stadium parking lot. The Uruguayan claimed that Baena had made a comment about his son's health. Baena denied it and reported him.

The story sparked a true media storm. In recent interviews, Baena admitted it was a very tough episode. He even considered quitting soccer. Over time, he has learned to live with the pressure, and even said that he forgives Valverde.

Two players on the field, one in a white uniform and the other in a yellow uniform, during a match.
Fede Valverde and Baena | Real Madrid Confidencial

New direction in his career

Now, the Andalusian is heading to the capital to wear Atlético de Madrid's jersey. At 22 years old, he is one of the most technical and promising midfielders in LaLiga. Diego Simeone wanted a creative player with character, and the club has brought him in.

The signing also has a symbolic aspect. Signing the one who for months was seen as an "enemy" at Bernabéu fuels the rivalry between colchoneros and merengues. The intrigue is guaranteed when Baena returns to Bernabéu, this time as a rojiblanco.

Atlético gain talent, intensity, and a recognizable face for its fans. Meanwhile, Baena finds a new opportunity to keep growing, now in a highly demanding environment. The signing is done. Only the signature remains.

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