Barcelona tracking €20 million-rated La Liga midfielder as possible Gundogan alternative

Even as Barcelona wait for a decision from Manchester City midfielder and captain Ilkay Gundogan, they are keeping an eye out for possible alternatives if the German international does not arrive.

And, as per ESPN, Barcelona are tracking 21-year-old Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena as a potential Plan B if they fail to land Gundogan.

Manager Xavi Hernandez has made it clear that he wishes to add at least one creative midfielder to his squad this summer, along with a pivot midfielder.

Barça tend to struggle in Pedri’s absence and wish to address that issue in midfield with the signing of a player who can score goals and provide assists.

Gundogan fit the bill perfectly as he enjoyed a healthy 2022/23 campaign in which he produced a tally of 11 goals and seven assists from 51 matches.

However, there are fears that the 32-year-old could end up staying at the Etihad after winning the treble with the Cityzens.

It has led them to Baena as an option. The 21-year-old, whose market value stands at €20 million, enjoyed a fine season with Villarreal, racking up 12 goals and six assists from 48 appearances across all competitions.

The Spaniard is a player capable of playing through the middle or out wide and has been tracked by Barcelona all through the 2022/23 season. The club believe that the midfielder fits the profile Xavi is seeking.

In fact, the report adds that if finances permit, the Blaugrana are open to the idea of signing both Gundogan and Baena. However, such a move will be extremely difficult as the La Liga champions will be able to spend only 40% of any revenue they save or generate.

Baena signed a new contract with Villarreal earlier this year, extending his stay at El Madrigal until 2028. As part of the new deal, his release clause amount, which stood at €35 million, was also increased, although the new value is not known.

So, a move for Baena might prove to be difficult to pull off for Barcelona this summer, unless there are major sales made and Gundogan does not arrive.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.