Alex Baena wants to play for Unai Emery at Aston Villa as £50m+ transfer news emerges
Bryan King believes Villarreal star Alex Baena would be keen to reunite with Unai Emery at Aston Villa.
The ex-Villa scout feels that the club are now in a better position to attract top-level players around Europe.
It comes after a report in Football Espana (3 May) revealed that Emery has given the green light for Villa to sign Baena, who is also a target for Liverpool and Barcelona.
The 22-year-old has a release clause of £51.6million but could be available for £34.4million.
And having been handed his debut by Emery, King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes this could sway the midfielder.
“Emery’s connection to Baena could help Aston Villa immensely,” King said.
“Footballers are always eternally grateful to the manager who brings them into the game by handing them their debut.
“Baena would be more than happy as long as the fee is met to join up with a former manager. Villa have always looked at these top players, but it is now much easier for the club to sign them.”
Unai Emery helping to turn Aston Villa into an attractive club
Aston Villa’s performances on the pitch have improved drastically.
Emery is on the verge of guiding the Villans to the UEFA Champions League, which makes attracting top players much easier.
But the Spaniard is worth so much more than that to Villa.
His reputation in football and work at previous clubs can also help the Premier League side attract a calibre of player they would have struggled to attract before his arrival.
Should Baena arrive at Villa Park, it could be yet another exciting addition to the ongoing Emery era.
In other Aston Villa news, King has been left “surprised” by a recent Premier League development.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.