Aston Villa are watching a very unusual transfer chain develop around Enzo Barrenechea. This is because the midfielder has barely become a permanent Benfica player and already has interest in another move.
Last month, Portuguese reports explained Benfica would be open to selling Barrenechea this summer. This would happen despite being obliged to buy him from Aston Villa first.
The reasoning was tactical. José Mourinho reportedly believes the Argentine’s profile does not fully match what he wants in midfield long term. The Benfica manager is prioritising players closer in style to Fredrik Aursnes.
Now the first concrete suitor has emerged. According to A Bola, Valencia are closely following Barrenechea’s situation. They are interested in bringing him back to Spain.
Aston Villa loaned him there before
Barrenechea spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Valencia CF while still contracted to Aston Villa. He enjoyed an impressive campaign there.
In fact, his performances in Spain were a major reason Benfica moved for him in the first place. Valencia wanted to keep the midfielder permanently last year, but Benfica outmuscled them financially.
The Portuguese side agreed to pay €3m (£2.6m) for the initial loan. They agreed to pay another €12m (£10.3m) once appearance-related conditions were met. Those conditions have now officially been triggered.
Barrenechea has made 26 league appearances this season and played nearly 2,000 Liga Portugal minutes, meaning Aston Villa are due the full €15m (£12.9m) package.
Technically, the midfielder is only now transitioning from Aston Villa player to permanent Benfica signing. Yet before that permanent chapter has even properly started, another exit is already being discussed – and to the same club Villa previously loaned him to.
Benfica want cash – Valencia want a loan
According to A Bola, Valencia are very aware of Barrenechea’s current situation under Mourinho. However, the Spanish club are not prepared to match the €15m (£12.9m) Benfica are investing in him.
Instead, Valencia would prefer another loan, this time with an option to buy. That may become a sticking point.
Benfica reportedly want immediate cash sales this summer as Mourinho and the club hierarchy prepare for significant changes to the squad.
It’s still unclear whether Aston Villa kept any sell-on percentage in the Benfica deal, although they’d probably still pick up at least some small change through FIFA solidarity payments if Barrenechea moves again in the future.
What happens afterwards, though, is turning into one of the stranger transfer situations of the summer market.
