Enzo Barrenechea’s loan move to Valencia felt written in the stars when he arrived at the Spanish club. Juventus had shipped out the midfielder, using him as part of the Douglas Luiz deal after he’d spent a year on loan at Frosinone.
Then Aston Villa decided there wouldn’t be a meaningful role in Unai Emery’s squad for the 24-year-old, and he was sent to Valencia for the season. The reason it felt like a work of fate is that Barrenechea’s family had moved from Argentina to Spain, feeling it was a good base to be close to the footballer, but in a Spanish speaking country.
Not only only that, his sister had enrolled at the local university. The Aston Villa man himself has called it ‘destiny’.
On the pitch, the loan started in a mixed way for Barrenechea, with some English reports making it appear he was doing better than reality knew.
Carlos Corberán’s arrival from West Brom, on a mission to save Valencia from relegation, had a positive impact on the midfielder and he’s really kicked on. The fans love him, with his connections to the city obviously helping.
There’s obviously a big desire to keep him around.
Earlier this month in one of his frequent chats with the Spanish media, Monchi was asked about the player, and said: “He’s had a magnificent season. He’s a player wanted by many European clubs. We have to decide if Unai wants to consider him.
“It’s true that we have many important players in that position, including McGinn, Onana, Kamara, and Barkley. But Enzo has done what was intended: after his time at Frosinone, he would take a step forward, and he has.”
According to fresh claims from Spain, Unai Emery has already decided.
Fichajes take words from local Valencia radio station RadioEsport to say Emery has informed Barrenechea he won’t be part of the team next season. The door has been opened to a permanent exit.
The same report suggests Valencia could try for another loan but this time with a purchase option, or a permanent transfer at €5-7m. Those are figures which obviously wouldn’t excite Aston Villa.
One way forward, if it’s true Emery isn’t going to be counting on the Argentine, would be to sell him to Valencia for a reasonable – obviously a little higher than the figures mentioned – figure but retain a buyback clause. In addition, it would also be beneficial to get a large sell-on percentage.
There’s clearly potential there and another season or two with Corberán, and living in Valencia with his family, may turn Enzo Barrenechea into a true star. Then Aston Villa can bring him back or benefit from a percentage of the profit when Valencia sell.