The latest transfer news as Aston Villa accept an offer for a talented midfielder.
Aston Villa have reportedly reached a full agreement to sell defensive midfielder Enzo Barrenechea to Benfica on a permanent transfer.
The Villans remain focused on outgoing business as they seek to trim the edges of the squad to help comply with financial rules this season and next. Villa managed to wave goodbye to any PSR concerns last month as they agreed to the sale of their women’s team but profits are needed to aid the situation for this time next year.
There’s also the mighty task of complying with UEFA’s squad cost rules, which stipulate that teams in European competitions cannot spend more than 70 per cent of revenue on player costs. As it stands, Villa are exceeding that total and need to sell or loan out several players to balance the books.
Benfica strike deal to sign Aston Villa gem
One of those expected to leave is Barrenechea, as Record Portugal reports Benfica have struck a deal to sign the Argentine. The details are said to be being ironed out on a permanent switch worth around €15 million (£13m), with the player expected to arrive in Lisbon imminently to conduct his medical tests.
Not only will Villa bank some decent funds now, but the deal is also said to include a percentage of a future sale. It awaits to be seen exactly what that percentage is and whether it would be on the entirety of a future transfer or just the profit, but either way it’s a good clause to include.
Barrenechea, albeit not a high earner, can earn Villa a tidy profit as he was signed from Juventus for just £6.9 million last summer as part of the deal that saw Douglas Luiz move in the other direction. Considering he’s never made a competitive appearance for the club, that’s not exactly bad business, but it’s a shame he was never given the opportunity to prove his worth.
Barrenechea sale controversial
Many supporters will be disappointed to see Barrenechea leave on a permanent basis and, in all honesty, it’s rather surprising that Villa have sanctioned his exit without Unai Emery having the chance to properly assess him in pre-season.
Barrenechea did so brilliantly out on loan at Valencia last campaign and deserved an opportunity to prove his worth, many will feel. Villa have been linked with several potential defensive midfield signings, too, so the question may be asked why they couldn’t just trial Barrenechea, at least for a few months.
Established as one of Carlos Corberan’s favoured midfielders by the turn of the year, Barrenchea played 30 times in La Liga for Valencia throughout 2024/25. The 24-year-old was among the Spanish top flight’s top 15 per cent of defensive midfielders for touches, successful passes, accurate long balls, duels won, aerial duels won and interceptions, so there’s no wonder there’s been plenty of transfer interest.
Villa could end up regretting letting Barrenechea go, though there’s at least some sense in the decision. It’s unlikely the Argentine would’ve broken into the first team too quickly given the dominance of Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara, while the likes of Amadou Onana and John McGinn would also be ahead in the pecking order. Could another loan have made more sense? Possibly. But at least Villa have landed a tidy profit.
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