Álex Baena to Aston Villa from Atlético Madrid
Verdict Delivered
This rumor DIED. It was dropped from the board after going quiet, last rated 2%.
| Move | Atlético Madrid → Villa |
| Outcome | Never happened |
| Rated at the end | 2% |
| Resolved | October 1st |
Atlético will not sell at any price. Rubén Hurtado reported for Esto es Atleti on September 16th, relayed by Sport Witness on September 17th, that Manchester City, Newcastle United and Villa are all very interested ahead of January, but that Atlético's position is firm and they will not let the Spain winger go mid-season; Baena is happy in Madrid and has no intention of leaving. Earlier reporting had left the link open: Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke wrote on September 7th that City will not move in January unless circumstances change, and CaughtOffside on September 4th that contacts could be established before the window even though a summer deal was likelier. Baena has four goals and an assist in seven appearances this season and is contracted to 2030. Emery coached him at Villarreal. No Villa approach has been reported.
How the Story Moved
| Date | What changed | |
|---|---|---|
| September 14th | Tracked | Rumor opened on the board at 9% (linked) — source: CaughtOffside (Mark Brus), September 4th. Villa are among the clubs watching the Spain winger ahead of January, CaughtOffside reported on September 4th, with Manchester City and Newcastle United carrying the other strongest interest and Bayern Munich also credited. A source with agency ties told the outlet that clubs could establish contacts before January even though a deal would be likelier next summer. Atlético have no plans to sell and held firm over Julián Álvarez in similar circumstances, so a mid-season departure looks difficult; they are also reluctant to sell to La Liga rivals, which helps the English clubs. Baena scored three times in his first three games of the season. Emery coached him at Villarreal. No Villa approach has been reported. |
| September 18th | Moved | Likelihood fell from 9% to 5% (cooling). Atlético will not sell at any price. Rubén Hurtado reported for Esto es Atleti on September 16th, relayed by Sport Witness on September 17th, that Manchester City, Newcastle United and Villa are all very interested ahead of January, but that Atlético's position is firm and they will not let the Spain winger go mid-season; Baena is happy in Madrid and has no intention of leaving. Earlier reporting had left the link open: Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke wrote on September 7th that City will not move in January unless circumstances change, and CaughtOffside on September 4th that contacts could be established before the window even though a summer deal was likelier. Baena has four goals and an assist in seven appearances this season and is contracted to 2030. Emery coached him at Villarreal. No Villa approach has been reported. |
| October 1st | Verdict | Rumor died — dropped from the board at 5% |
Timeline since the rumor joined the board.