Enzo Barrenechea is returning to Aston Villa after his loan spell at Valencia
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Sport
10:49, 27 May 2025
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid competes with Enzo Barrenechea
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid competes with Enzo Barrenechea(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Enzo Barrenechea has bid an emotional farewell to Valencia following the conclusion of his loan spell from Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old joined Villa from Juventus last summer alongside Samuel Iling-Junior in a joint £18 million deal, while Douglas Luiz moved in the opposite direction in a separate transfer worth £42 million.
However, Barrenechea was loaned to Valencia at the end of August after Unai Emery determined he needed regular first-team football.
At the Mestalla, Barrenechea has arguably been Valencia’s standout performer this season, playing a crucial role in helping the club steer clear of relegation danger.
Around Christmas, Valencia made the decision to replace Rubén Baraja — the former Spain international — with Carlos Corberán after a disappointing start to their La Liga campaign.
Following Corberán’s appointment, the team climbed out of the bottom three and even threatened to challenge for European qualification.
One of the highlights of their resurgence came last month, when they secured a stunning victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu — with Barrenechea playing through injury on the night.
After his final game on loan at Valencia against Real Betis, Barrenechea penned a farewell message to all those connected with the club.
“My last game in this special shirt marked the end of a tough season, but through sacrifice, hard work, and the unconditional support of the fans, we were able to achieve our goal," he said on Instagram.
“This great club deserves to compete for important things. I have no doubt it will return to where it belongs. I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the medical team, the kit men, and everyone who works at this club.
“A special thanks to the fans, who made me feel their love from day one — I will always carry that in my heart.”
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