Atlético shakes up the market and leaves Barça without its star

After a season of growth and steady improvement under their new manager, Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona is preparing for a busy summer transfer window.

Atlético shakes up the market and makes a twist in Barcelona’s selling players which could affect Hansi Flick.

The team has made progress on the pitch, showing more stability and structure under Flick’s leadership.

Now, the club hopes to strengthen the squad even more to compete at the highest level next season. But as always in football, not every plan goes as expected.

Even though Barcelona is still one of the most respected clubs in the world, that doesn’t guarantee that all transfer targets will choose to wear the famous blaugrana shirt.

This summer, they’ve already faced disappointment as some players are choosing to go elsewhere—either for more playing time, a bigger role, or simply a better personal project.

One such case is that of Álex Baena, a talented Spanish midfielder from Villarreal who had caught the attention of Barcelona’s coaching staff. Baena had a standout season with Villarreal, showing creativity, vision, and excellent passing ability. He often played between the lines, making space and creating chances for his teammates. While not a top priority for Barça, he was seen as a valuable option who could add depth and quality to the squad.

Hansi Flick and Deco’s Plan

Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, and sporting director Deco are working closely to build a team that fits Flick’s tactical ideas. The German coach wants players who are smart, fast-thinking, and can adapt to his possession-based but dynamic style of play. He values hard work and flexibility, and any new signing must be willing to accept both the competition within the squad and the coach’s high demands.

Baena seemed like a good fit—young, experienced in La Liga, and full of potential. While he wasn’t expected to start every match, he could have been a strong backup or rotational option, ready to step in when needed. However, things changed quickly when Atlético Madrid entered the race for his signature.

Baena Says Goodbye to Barça Dreams

According to reports, Álex Baena has made up his mind. He will not wait for Barcelona to make a final decision. Instead, he has chosen to sign for Atlético Madrid, where he is expected to play a much bigger role than he would have at Camp Nou.

Diego Simeone, Atlético’s long-time manager, made a strong pitch to Baena. He sees the young midfielder as an important piece in his future plans—a player who could help shape the next version of his team. Simeone reportedly offered Baena a more prominent role, something Barcelona couldn’t promise. At Barça, Baena would have had to fight for minutes, likely spending a lot of time on the bench behind more established midfielders.

For Baena, this was a key factor. At 22 years old, he wants regular playing time to continue developing his game. He also hopes to earn a more permanent place in the Spanish national team, and for that, he needs to be playing week in and week out. Atlético’s offer gave him the opportunity to grow, compete, and be a leading figure rather than a backup.

Although Baena has openly admired Barcelona in the past and once dreamed of playing for the Catalan giants, in the end, he chose the option that suited his career better at this point in time.

Atlético Madrid’s Strategic Move

Atlético Madrid moved quickly once they knew Baena was interested. Even though his official release clause is €60 million, Villarreal had a gentleman’s agreement with the player. As a sign of gratitude for his commitment to the club and his good behavior, Villarreal agreed to let him leave for a slightly lower price.

Atlético took advantage of this arrangement. While other clubs, including Barcelona, hesitated or took too long to act, Atlético accelerated negotiations and secured the deal. They knew Baena’s value—his La Liga experience, his creativity, and his high work rate.

Simeone reportedly sees Baena as a potential successor to Antoine Griezmann, who is still a key figure at Atlético but won’t be around forever. Baena is also expected to complement Julián Álvarez, one of Atlético’s star signings this summer, forming a new and exciting partnership in midfield.

This move shows Atlético’s serious intent to compete for major titles again and refresh their squad with young but proven talent.

What It Means for Barcelona

For Barcelona, missing out on Baena is a disappointment, especially after showing interest and following his progress. He could have been a strong addition to their midfield—a player who could rotate with the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong while offering something different in terms of playmaking.

But Barça’s reality is different right now. Due to financial restrictions and the need to sell before they buy, the club is limited in how quickly they can move in the transfer market. They couldn’t guarantee Baena immediate playing time, and they couldn’t jump into a bidding war without first freeing up salary space.

At Camp Nou, the focus is now shifting to other options. Deco and Flick are still searching for midfielders who meet the club’s needs. They want players who are not only talented but also willing to accept a role that might not include starting every game right away.

While losing Baena stings, the summer is far from over. The market is still open, and Barcelona will continue looking for ways to build a strong squad while respecting La Liga’s financial rules.

Final Thoughts

Álex Baena’s choice to join Atlético Madrid is a reminder that even the biggest clubs can’t always get who they want. Sometimes, a player’s personal career goals and the promise of regular minutes matter more than fame or history.

Barcelona may have lost this battle, but the transfer war continues. New targets will emerge, and with Flick’s clear vision and Deco’s experience, the club will aim to bounce back and prepare a competitive team for the next season.

In the end, both clubs get what they need—Atlético gains a promising playmaker, and Barcelona continues to rebuild with patience and purpose. The journey goes on.