Reports suggest Baena is among the names City are monitoring for a future rebuild cycle rather than an immediate deal. That timing matters. A January approach would be difficult because Atletico are reportedly reluctant to sell, and Baena’s contract is said to run until the summer of 2030.
That long deal shifts leverage toward Atletico. It reduces pressure to negotiate and increases their ability to hold out if Premier League interest hardens into formal offers. The update also suggests City are not alone, with other English clubs linked, but the current stage appears to be monitoring rather than active bidding.
Baena’s appeal is rooted in output and versatility. Before joining Atletico, he produced 26 goals and 40 assists in 148 official games for Villarreal, numbers that point to a creator who can also finish moves. His first season after the transfer was quieter, with five goal involvements in 46 matches, but his recent form has reportedly been sharper.
That matters for City because recruitment in attacking areas is usually driven by repeatable chance creation, not just headline goals. If Baena is again producing from wide or advanced midfield zones, he fits the type of multifunctional attacker elite clubs tend to value. His age also helps: at 25, he sits in the range where a buying club expects both immediate contribution and resale protection.
For now, this looks like a watch-list situation. If Baena sustains his early-season production, interest could intensify by next summer. If Atletico remain firm, City would need either a clear opening from the selling club or a strong push from the player’s side to change the equation. As it stands, the contract length and Atletico’s stance make this one to track, not one close to completion.