Aston Villa and SL Benfica are reportedly in talks over a possible deal for 24-year-old Argentine midfield prospect Enzo Barrenechea in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by A Bola, as relayed by Sport Witness, Enzo Barrenechea is the subject of interest from SL Benfica. The Primeira Liga giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a dynamic midfielder in the summer transfer window. So, the 24-year-old out-of-favour Aston Villa midfield prospect has emerged as a target for the Primeira Liga outfit.
The Villans are keen on parting ways with the Villa Maria native for a fee of around €12 million in the summer transfer window. In addition, Barrenechea is a target for FC Porto and Valencia. However, Benfica and Aston Villa are in “exclusive talks” over a possible deal for the out-of-favour midfield prospect.
Enzo Barrenechea and his situation
Enzo Barrenechea joined Aston Villa unofficially as part of the deal that saw Douglas Luiz move to Juventus. The 24-year-old midfielder could not establish a foothold at Juventus, and Aston Villa immediately loaned him to Valencia after he moved to the West Midlands club last summer.
The Argentine midfielder was solid for Los Che, amassing over 2,000 minutes of game time across 33 appearances in all competitions while chipping in with one goal and two assists. Barrenechea’s loan spell with Valencia has ended, and he has returned to Aston Villa. However, he does not feature in Unai Emery’s plans, and SL Benfica will aim to end his nightmare at Villa Park.
Primeira Liga move beckons?
Benfica’s interest in Enzo Barrenechea is understandable. The Primeira Liga giants are scouring the market for a dynamic holding midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding Orkun Kokcu’s long-term future. Recent reports have linked the former Feyenoord captain with high-profile Premier League clubs, although a move to Turkiye may be on the cards.
So, Benfica must sign a long-term replacement for Kokcu, with Barrenechea emerging as a viable target. The Primeira Liga giants have begun negotiations with Aston Villa to sign the out-of-favour midfield prospect, and the two parties are in exclusive talks, even though the former Juventus midfielder is also a target for Valencia and FC Porto.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will demand around €12 million to part ways with the 24-year-old Argentine midfielder in the summer transfer window. However, Barrenechea’s suitors are yet to meet Aston Villa’s valuation, and it will be interesting to see if Benfica can beat the competition to his signature.