Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has all but confirmed that Atletico Madrid will be successful in their bid to sign Alex Baena. The Yellow Submarine have been in negotiations with Atletico for several weeks, but after returning home from the Club World Cup, Los Colchoneros appear to have picked up the pace.

Baena was in tears in his final game at La Ceramica, and gave a farewell speech to the fans, suggesting his exit. Atletico are his leading suitors, and have been trying to bring down his price tag. Although Villarreal are open to negotiating, they do appear to want at least €45-50m for the Spain international.

Marcelino gives take on Baena at Atletico Madrid

Asked whether he had given up hope of Baena staying, Marcelino told Cadena SER that he was expecting him to leave.

“Yes, practically yes. Well, I don’t consider him ‘lost’ either. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying this player for a year and a half. Cycles begin and end.”

🗣️ 🟡 Marcelino: "¿Doy por perdido a Álex Baena? SÍ, prácticamente sí"

🙄 "Tampoco es dar por perdido, lo he disfrutado durante año y medio, pero los ciclos empiezan y acaban"

💰 "El fichaje de Moleiro se hace previniendo una situación que se iba a dar más tarde o más temprano"

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The Villarreal manager even evaluated his fit at Atletico Madrid.

“I’m sure Simeone will find the ideal situation for Baena to get the most out of his game, offering his full footballing talent, and the Atletico fans, the coach, his teammates, and he himself will all be very happy.”

Villarreal already have replacements in situ

Last week Villarreal confirmed the signing of Alberto Moleiro from Las Palmas, which many saw as a move to cover the exit of Baena.

“Moleiro’s signing was done to taking into account a situation that was bound to arise sooner or later,” Marcelino confirmed.

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One of the ways in which Atletico tried to bring down his price was by including Rodrigo Riquelme in a player swap deal. Marcelino confirmed why that would not be happening.

“We have two good players we have complete confidence in, Moleiro and Yeremy Pino. As of today, if no one leaves, we have that position completely covered. I’m not saying that Riquelme isn’t an interesting player; I think he’s a very good player, but right now he doesn’t fit in with us.”

Rodrigo Riquelme future

It seems Atletico are looking to move Riquelme on this summer, after a season with much less involvement than either player or club would want. The latest is that Real Betis have made an approach for him.