Aston Villa, Unai Emery, Enzo Barrenechea
(Credit: Imago)
Villa News Speaking to Bryan King
Wed 26 March 2025 19:10, UK
Aston Villa’s decision to sign Enzo Barrenechea appears to have been a mistake as Valencia transfer news emerges.
Barrenechea arrived at Villa alongside Samuel Iling-Junior as part of the deal which saw Douglas Luiz move to Juventus.
Both players were sent straight out on loan, with Iling-Junior joining Bologna before moving to Middlesbrough in the winter transfer window, while Barrenechea headed to Spain to sign for Valencia.
It was suggested at the time of his temporary switch to La Liga that Barrenechea had no long-term future with Villa, and it appears as though this might be true.
Enzo Barrenechea
Barrenechea has spent the season at Valencia (Credit: Aston Villa Football Club on YouTube)
Valencia want to sign Barrenechea as £10million claim shared
Unai Emery could be tempted to utilise Barrenechea next season after some of his recent performances for Valencia.
However, it looks as though the 23-year-old could leave the West Midlands before making an appearance for Villa. As reported by Uriel Iugt via X (25 March), Valencia want to make Barrenechea’s loan stay permanent.
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The Spanish club do not have an option included in their temporary agreement. However, Villa are willing to listen to offers, with other clubs also interested in the player.
Valencia 2024/25 Appearances Goals Assists
Enzo Barrenechea 23 1 2
Barrenechea has been a regular in midfield for Valencia
Therefore, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – has speculated how much Emery’s side might be looking for.
“I think Villa will let him go for somewhere between £8-10million,” King said.
“Mistakes are made at football clubs, and sometimes you have to hold your hands up and do what is best for the player and the club. By the sound of things, Barrenechea joining another club, be it Valencia or somewhere else, is very much on the cards.
“As I said, mistakes are made sometimes, players are brought in, and players are moved on.”
🚨🇦🇷#Valencia tiene el deseo de retener a Enzo Barrenechea.
↪️ Su préstamo desde el #AstonVilla es sin opción de compra, pero el club inglés está dispuesto a escuchar ofertas.
✴️ Es una negociación difícil para el club español. Además, hay otros equipos interesados. pic.twitter.com/bTm2fxyleS
— Uriel Iugt (@urieliugt) March 25, 2025
Barrenechea could leave Aston Villa in the summer
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Emery must have final say on Barrenechea at Aston Villa
It would be rather unusual for a player to leave a football club before making a single appearance for that club. However, this looks to be a very likely scenario when it comes to Barrenechea.
Should this scenario play out, it would be fair to say that the transfer was a mistake and ultimately a waste of everybody’s time.
However, Barrenechea has put in some impressive performances this season. Therefore, it should be Emery who has the final say on what happens with the player.
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