Real Madrid and Barcelona often compete for market targets on more than one occasion, and the Whites have a clear goal to achieve next summer.
However, it seems that Laporta shares the same interests as Florentino Perez, as he has also expressed his interest in this star.
Florentino Perez’s priority is significant, thanks to the wide economic margin available to implement the deal, in addition to the sporting appeal he enjoys.
Therefore, the Real Madrid president will have the final say in the signing decision unless Laporta manages to intervene in some way.
In light of this, reports from a Spanish newspaper yesterday revealed Real Madrid’s interest in Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena, and now it seems that Barcelona has also expressed its interest in the player.
According to information received from the “fichajes” website, Real Madrid’s sports management is paying special attention to Alex Baena, who is considered one of the most prominent rising talents in the Spanish League.
The reports also stated that “the Merengue club has been collecting detailed information about the young midfielder for more than a year.”
In the same context, the same sources indicate that Barcelona is also seeking to sign Baena at the request of German coach Hansi Flick, in light of Barcelona’s need for a mobile midfielder after the imminent departure of De Jong and the injury of Marc Bernal.
The site concluded that Laporta will part ways with some of the team’s players next January and in the summer of 2025 as well, which will provide Barcelona with financial flows that will help the team complete the deal.
It is worth noting that Alex Baena, 23 years old, is linked to a contract with Villarreal until the summer of 2028, and his market value is estimated at about 40 million euros.