Bryan King believes that Aston Villa has the upper hand in the race to sign Villarreal’s Álex Baena, especially with Newcastle United also vying for the talented forward. King, a former scout for Villa, points to Unai Emery’s established relationship with Baena as a pivotal factor in this potential transfer.
Reports from CaughtOffside on October 29 indicate that both clubs are interested in acquiring Baena, who is currently valued at around £54 million. The 23-year-old forward is reportedly eager to work with Emery again, having previously played under him at Villarreal. According to King, this connection gives Villa a significant advantage in the competition for Baena’s signature.
“Villa will have an advantage in this transfer race,” King stated. “Emery knows the player well, and the player knows him. I think that familiarity will be the key factor. I would confidently say that Villa are in the driving seat regarding this deal. Additionally, competing in the UEFA Champions League enhances our appeal.”
Unai Emery’s arrival at Aston Villa has transformed the club’s fortunes, and his exceptional managerial skills are complemented by his extensive network across Europe. Many players, especially those who have worked with him before, are likely drawn to the prospect of reuniting with such a respected coach.
In the case of Baena, if both Villa and Newcastle present identical financial offers, it would be challenging for him to resist the opportunity to link up with Emery once more. This move could potentially add another dynamic attacking option to Villa’s roster as they aim to solidify their position in both the Premier League and European competitions.
Moreover, Villa is actively engaged in contract negotiations with another key attacker, as reported by The Athletic on October 31, further emphasizing their ambition to strengthen the squad.
In other Aston Villa news, recent observations by Patrick Vieira have led to suggestions for Arsenal to pursue a specific player from the club. For the latest updates on Aston Villa, fans can follow the team on Facebook or join their new WhatsApp Channel for real-time notifications delivered directly to their phones.