Manchester City might be making a move for this 22-year-old midfielder as Kevin de Bruyne replacement

In a bold move to secure their midfield prowess, Manchester City is reportedly setting their sights on Villarreal’s Alex Baena as a potential successor to the illustrious Kevin de Bruyne. Amidst swirling rumors of de Bruyne’s departure, lured by a lucrative offer from Saudi interests, the Citizens are proactively scouting for talent to fill the void that would be left by the Belgian maestro.

Baena, a product of Villarreal’s esteemed youth academy, has been making waves in La Liga with his dynamic performances. The 22-year-old has been a revelation since his promotion to the senior squad, contributing significantly with five goals and 13 assists across 37 appearances this season. His statistics, courtesy of whoscored, highlight an average of 1.7 shots, 2.3 key passes, and 0.6 dribbles per game, although he seeks to enhance a passing accuracy that presently hovers around 77%.

The Spanish midfielder’s versatility is a key asset, comfortably navigating the attacking midfield role and adeptly shifting across the flanks. His proficiency in delivering incisive key passes, threading through balls, and whipping in crosses has drawn comparisons to de Bruyne’s influential role at Manchester City. Moreover, Baena’s prowess in long-range strikes and set-piece execution only adds to his appeal as a fitting replacement.

However, the pursuit of Baena is far from a foregone conclusion. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also vying for the young talent, poised to make their own bids in the upcoming summer transfer window, enticed by Baena’s burgeoning potential.

Manchester City’s contingency plans extend beyond Baena, with the club also considering moves for other notable talents such as Florian Wirtz, Lucas Paqueta, and Xavi Simons, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the game’s evolution and maintain their competitive edge in the heart of the pitch.