Villarreal CF and Atlético de Madrid have reached an agreement on the transfer of Almeria midfielder Alex Baena, who will join Atlético de Madrid before the 2025-26 season.  

The Almeria-born player officially bids farewell to the club where he spent 13 years, where he developed as a player, won the UEFA Europa League and became a top footballer and member of the Spanish national team.  

Alex Baena joined Villarreal's youth academy in 2012, gradually advancing from the U12 level to the first team and showing outstanding talent. He made his first-team debut in the 2019-20 season and became an important member of the team's historic UEFA Europa League title the following year.  

Since then, Alex Baena has continued to grow and become the core figure of Villarreal Football Club. In recent years, he has been at the top of the assist charts in major European leagues, and is also a regular in the Spanish national team, winning the European Cup and the Paris Olympics with the team last year.  

Alex Baena played a key role in helping Villarreal qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season.  

Alex Baena wrote on social media : " I really didn't expect this day to come. I'm leaving the place I've always regarded as home. But to be honest, I know I'll never really go far because I won't forget all my experiences at Villarreal. This club has accepted me since I was a child, and I've always felt like I'm part of this big family. They've given me so much over the years, and I'll always be grateful."  

"It hasn't been easy but they have always been there for me since the first day I arrived here. I must thank a few people who are very important to me, Fernando Roig, José Manuel Llanesa and Fernando Roig Negreoles."  

"Among them, I would like to mention Lianesa in particular. He opened a new chapter in my life. He gave me selfless love, support and guidance. His consistent attitude of silently supporting me behind the scenes meant a lot to me. Therefore, I hope to remember him forever. It is because of them that I can get to where I am now."  

"Of course, I also want to thank all the coaches who have coached me at this beautiful club. They, along with my teammates, have played a vital role in my development. They have helped me to become not only a professional but also a better person. These people have been an integral part of my life since I arrived here from Roquetas de Mar in Almeria."  

"At that time, I was full of passion and dreamed of playing in La Liga one day. Of course, I was also a little scared because I had to leave my family. But I didn't know at the time that a new family would open the door for me in the future, allowing me to feel warmth in a foreign land, and life would become much easier."  

"Especially the eight years I spent in the club dormitory were the most unforgettable time of my childhood. There, I met many partners with the same dream. We worked hard together and devoted countless days and nights to our childhood love and dreams."  

"I am really very, very happy here. Football has allowed me to meet such a wonderful club, and I will always be grateful. Although I am leaving, I will always leave a part of my life in Villarreal. I leave with great pride because the journey we have taken together is so great and memorable. Although we are temporarily separated at the moment, I believe that one day I will return to this my real home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have given me!"  

The club would like to express its sincere gratitude for the dedication and professionalism he has shown throughout his career at Villarreal. The club is also grateful for the pride and passion with which he defends the club's honour. We wish him all the best in this new phase of his career.