La Liga giants Atlético Madrid have on Wednesday announced the club’s 2nd signing in the space of just 24 hours.

The latest player to have put pen to paper on terms with Diego Simeone’s side? Álex Baena.

The name of Villarreal standout Baena has of course long proven a prominent one in the transfer headlines across Spain.

As much comes after widespread confirmation was forthcoming that the gifted creator had been earmarked as a priority target on the part of the aforementioned Atlético.

Baena is fresh off another fine campaign with Villarreal, which saw the 23-year-old rack up seven goals and 10 assists in 32 La Liga appearances.

As alluded to above, though, in the 2025/26 season, such talents will be on display in the colours of another of Spanish football’s leading clubs.

As confirmed in a statement across the Rojiblancos’ website and social media platforms, 24 hours on from their capture of Matteo Ruggeri:

‘Atlético de Madrid and Villarreal have reached an agreement for the transfer of Álex Baena, a 23-year-old midfielder who has signed with our club until June 30, 2030.’