Atlético Madrid has completed the signing of Spain international Álex Baena from Villarreal, agreeing to pay an initial €42 million with performance-related bonuses that could lift the outlay to about €55 million. The 23-year-old winger has signed a five-year contract running to June 2030 after passing a medical in the Spanish capital. Baena, who logged seven goals and 10 assists in 32 La Liga appearances last season and was part of the national squad that won Euro 2024, becomes Atlético’s second acquisition of the summer following left-back Matteo Ruggeri. Coach Diego Simeone views the left-sided attacker as a long-term successor to Antoine Griezmann and a key upgrade to a position that troubled the club in 2024-25.