Manchester City have added Atlético Madrid's Álex Baena to their list of potential future transfer targets. The 25-year-old winger has impressed manager Enzo Maresca.
Atlético Madrid have no plans to sell Baena this summer. The Spanish international is under a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2030, giving his current club a strong negotiating position. Any move from City would therefore likely be a complex and expensive operation, focused on a future window rather than an immediate deal.
The interest in a left-sided attacker like Baena comes as City prepare for a derby away at Manchester United on Sunday. The club currently sits top of the Premier League with a perfect record of nine points from three matches. Manager Enzo Maresca has guided the team to seven goals scored and just two conceded in that run. With winger Jérémy Doku currently sidelined, the link to Baena suggests the club is monitoring options to maintain depth and quality in wide areas for the long term.
City's strong start to the season, with three consecutive wins, provides a solid platform ahead of the key trip to Old Trafford. Erling Haaland leads the scoring charts with three goals in his first three appearances. The team's next challenge is a significant one, facing an 11th-placed Manchester United side on 13 September. Fans can track the build-up and all upcoming matches on the club's fixtures page.
Baena is primarily a left winger known for his creativity and direct running, a profile that could offer an alternative to the current options at Maresca's disposal. His potential acquisition would be part of a forward-thinking strategy, as the club balances immediate title ambitions with future squad building. The current injury to Jérémy Doku and the form of other attackers will be assessed continuously as the season progresses. Supporters can view the full roster and player statistics on the official squad and stats sections of the site. City's next fixture is against Manchester United on Sunday.
