Claret Ambition: Unai Emery Lands Alex Baena in Blockbuster Aston Villa Coup
Birmingham, May 16, 2025 — In what is being heralded as one of the boldest moves of the summer transfer window so far, Aston Villa have completed the sensational signing of Spanish midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal CF. The announcement, made official by the club this morning, signals a major statement of intent from manager Unai Emery, who has once again turned to his Spanish connections to reinforce Villa’s ambitions of breaking into the Premier League elite and mounting a serious challenge on both domestic and European fronts.
Sources close to the negotiations confirm that the deal is valued at £42 million, with performance-based bonuses that could push the total fee closer to £50 million, making Baena one of the most expensive signings in Aston Villa’s modern history. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Villa Park until June 2030.
The Emery–Baena Reunion: A Strategic Masterstroke
For Emery, this move is deeply personal and meticulously calculated. The Basque tactician, who previously managed Baena during his successful stint at Villarreal, has long admired the playmaker’s creativity, work rate, and tactical intelligence. It was Emery who first gave Baena his breakthrough in the senior team and nurtured his development during the 2021–2022 campaign.
Now, three years later, Emery has brought his protégé to the Premier League, a league the manager has grown increasingly comfortable in since taking over at Villa Park in October 2022. Emery’s track record in player development, particularly with young Spanish talent, is well-established — and with Baena, he appears to be executing a clear vision: adding a dynamic, high-intensity attacking midfielder capable of threading passes, launching counters, and scoring decisive goals.
> “Alex is a player I know very well — his talent, his mentality, his understanding of the game,” Emery said in a press conference held at Bodymoor Heath. “He brings something different to our midfield, something that can help us control games in the final third. I am proud to welcome him to Aston Villa.”
Villa’s Midfield Gets a Creative Boost
Baena’s arrival represents a significant upgrade in Aston Villa’s attacking midfield options. While Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans, and Boubacar Kamara offer control and robustness in midfield, Villa have at times lacked the sort of imaginative spark that Baena routinely provides.
In La Liga this past season, Baena recorded 7 goals and 12 assists, with his chance creation stats placing him in the top five among midfielders. His ability to operate between the lines, switch flanks, and deliver pinpoint through balls will be especially valuable as Villa seek to maximize the talents of forwards like Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby, and Leon Bailey.
His set-piece prowess is another weapon Emery will look to utilize. Baena has scored multiple free-kicks and regularly delivers dangerous corners — a quality that adds another layer to Villa’s already potent set-piece routines under Emery.
The Long Road from Villarreal to Villa Park
Born in Roquetas de Mar in Andalusia, Álex Baena rose through Villarreal’s youth academy before making his debut under Emery in 2020. A loan to Girona in 2021–2022 was the turning point in his career, where he impressed with his flair, vision, and tenacity.
On returning to Villarreal, he became a regular in the first team and was instrumental in the Yellow Submarine’s push for European qualification over the past two seasons. Though he was courted by several top-tier clubs — including Atlético Madrid, AC Milan, and even Arsenal — Baena ultimately chose to reunite with Emery in the Premier League.
> “Working with Unai again was a major factor in my decision,” Baena said during his official unveiling. “He is a manager who understands me and knows how to get the best out of me. Aston Villa is an ambitious club with amazing fans, and I’m excited to be part of this project.”
Fan Reactions: Buzzing with Expectation
News of Baena’s arrival has electrified the Villa faithful, many of whom see the Spaniard as a key piece in Emery’s plan to elevate Villa to new heights. Social media lit up in celebration, with hashtags like #BaenaClaretBlue and #EmeryMasterclass trending within minutes of the announcement.
Former players and pundits also weighed in. Former captain Stiliyan Petrov, now rumored to be eyeing a future executive role at the club, tweeted:
> “Huge signing for Villa. Baena is a special talent — this shows the club means business!”
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp called it “an absolutely brilliant signing” on air, noting that Baena has “Premier League star” written all over him.
Tactical Implications: Formations & Flexibility
With Baena now part of the squad, Emery has several tactical options. The former Arsenal and Sevilla boss has favored a 4-2-2-2 and 4-4-2 diamond setup in the past, but Baena’s versatility could see the team shift into a more fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
He can play as a No. 10, a left-sided playmaker, or even drop deeper when needed. His combination play with the likes of Tielemans and Kamara in midfield will be crucial, especially as Villa prepare for a congested fixture list including Premier League, FA Cup, and potential European competitions.
Inside the Transfer: Negotiations and Complications
The deal was not without its complexities. Villarreal initially resisted selling Baena, viewing him as central to their rebuilding project. However, Emery’s personal intervention and Villa’s financial package — reportedly including a high sell-on clause and performance incentives — eventually swung the deal.
Villa’s Director of Football Monchi, also formerly of Sevilla, played a pivotal role in coordinating the operation. Monchi, known for his keen eye for talent and shrewd negotiations, has now added another Spanish jewel to the Villa roster.
What Comes Next for Villa?
Baena’s signing is expected to be just one of several major moves this summer. Villa are rumored to be in advanced talks with a right-back and a new goalkeeper, while Emery may also look to offload fringe players to streamline the squad.
With the Premier League becoming increasingly competitive — and with Aston Villa’s rising profile thanks to their European exploits last season — moves like this are no longer luxuries but necessities.
Villa are clearly no longer content with mid-table obscurity. With Unai Emery at the helm, a well-structured recruitment strategy, and marquee signings like Alex Baena, the club is forging a new identity: one of ambition, precision, and continental style.
As the Villa faithful chant through the Holte End, a new chorus is likely to emerge this season:
“Olé, olé, olé — Baena runs the show, Unai makes it flow!”
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Written by James Cartwright, Senior Football Correspondent
Edited by Sofia Meléndez | Villa
