TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Aston Villa remain huge admirers of Alex Baena — a player they tried to sign during the winter transfer window as well.
But while Baena was an Aston Villa target in January, he decided to stay put at Villareal.
The Spanish international worked with Unai Emery at the Estadio de la Ceramica and was one of the Aston Villa boss’ most trusted players at the time as well.
A number 10 as creative and technically gifted as Alex Baena is the type of signing who would excite Villa supporters and now it has come to light how a move could potentially be possible.
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Jacob Ramsey exit could open the door for Aston Villa to sign Alex Baena
Graeme Bailey — TBR Football’s chief correspondent has been notified that there are major question marks surrounding Jacob Ramsey’s future and whether he decides to stay or leave Aston Villa could play a key role in whether they make a move for Baena.
Baena is open to joining Aston Villa and he might well be hoping that the Englishman decides to bid farewell to his boyhood club.
TBR Football revealed in February that Jacob Ramsey was on Liverpool and Arsenal’s radars.
Ramsey’s displays at Villa have impressed Manchester City as well — who might have to pay a fee in excess of £50 million to secure his services.
How Alex Baena performed under Unai Emery
What would excite Aston Villa supporters is that in case Baena were to replace Ramsey, he could have an instant impact due to having a deep understanding of Unai Emery’s system.
With the Villareal technician being just 23 as well, there is plenty of room for him to grow into a potentially world-class player.
Looking back at his time under Unai Emery, Baena played 37 games in total, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists.
| ALEX BAENA UNDER UNAI EMERY AT VILLAREAL | |
| MATCHES PLAYED | 37 |
| GOALS | 10 |
| ASSISTS | 8 |
The pair are clearly a dynamic duo, with the European Championship winner producing a goal or an assist at a frequency of a truly top-class attacking midfielder.
