Liverpool and Man City tracking Spanish winger who's been a machine this season

Liverpool are set to battle with Manchester City for Villarreal winger Alex Baena, who has attracted interest from some of the biggest European clubs after a fast start to the season.

The 21-year-old winger has come to the fore for the Yellow Submarine this term, scoring six goals in ten matches under Unai Emery, including a brace against Real Valladolid.

He spent last campaign on loan at City’s sister club Girona, scoring five goals in 38 matches. This may give the Citizens the upper hand due to their already established connection with the young Spaniard.

He made his debut for Villarreal in 2019, and has played for Spain at youth level from under-16 to under-21 levels, and it's thought that he will be a big part of his country’s future set-up in the attacking positions.

Fichajes have reported that City and Liverpool are the two most interested clubs in Baena, but there are a wide range of suitors for his signature.

Liverpool may need to look at a player like Baena to boost their depth in attacking positions, with Roberto Firmino only having a year left on his contract.

Baena is currently valued at £2.7m as of June 2022 via Transfermarkt, but this value will skyrocket after his excellent start to the campaign, and his contract runs out in 2025.

However, the Yellow Submarine are expected to be extending his deal with a release clause according to AS.

His City connections will likely give them the upper hand, but interest from two of the best sides in Europe cannot be bad for Baena’s confidence.