Manchester United have reportedly sounded out a move for Villareal forward Alex Baena ahead of the transfer window.
United are believed to be eyeing reinforcements in the attacking department following an immensely difficult season that has seen them struggle to consistently score goals.
United’s main attacking trio—Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Alejandro Garnacho—have collectively scored just 11 Premier League goals this season, a disappointing return by any standard.
The burden of finding the back of the net and creating goalscoring opportunities for the team has squarely fallen on the shoulders of club captain Bruno Fernandes. He has done well but it’s crystal clear the Portuguese needs a lot of help moving forward.
United continue to be linked with a host of striking options, including Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), and Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon). The club is also exploring reinforcements for the number 10 role, which has led to reported interest in Rayan Cherki (Lyon), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), and Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Now, Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos claims the Red Devils are looking at Villareal’s Alex Baena.
Burgos notes that Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are also interested in Baena and believe they’re frontrunners to secure his signature.
“Atleti are confident of securing Alex Baena before the Club World Cup.”
“They have already contacted his entourage to express interest in signing him. There are currently no official negotiations with Villarreal.”
“Bayern Munich and Manchester United have also inquired about the player.”
El Atleti confía cerrar a Alex Baena antes del Mundial de Clubes.
Ya han contactado con su entorno para mostrar interés en su fichaje. De momento no hay negociaciones oficiales con el Villarreal.
Bayern de Múnich y Manchester United también han preguntado por el jugador. pic.twitter.com/p2f0FzVfLE
— Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) April 23, 2025
This is not the first time Baena has been mentioned to be on United’s radar. His name popped up in 2023 but needless to say, a transfer never materialised.
The 23-year-old predominantly plays on the left side of the attack. He has made 27 La Liga appearances this term, notching an impressive six goals and eight assists.
With Marcus Rashford poised to leave United permanently in the summer, it makes sense why United are targeting a player of Baena’s profile.
His contract with Villareal expires in 2028 and is believed to contain a release clause worth €60m.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
