Benfica’s agreement to sign Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenechea on a permanent deal this summer may quickly turn into one of the more unusual transfer stories of the window.
According to a report from the Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, the Lisbon side are already considering the possibility of selling the Argentine midfielder despite being obliged to buy him first.
Barrenechea joined Benfica on loan from Aston Villa for the current season. However, the agreement included a clause that automatically triggers a permanent transfer once the player reaches a set number of appearances. That threshold has already been met.
Mandatory purchase already triggered
Barrenechea has been a regular presence in Benfica’s midfield this season. The report states he has already played 2,750 minutes, making him one of the most-used players in that area of the squad.
That involvement is precisely what activated the purchase obligation.
This mechanism had been part of the deal from the start. As we covered earlier in the season, Benfica agreed to pay €3m (£2.6m) for the loan and a further €12m (£10.3m) if the purchase clause was triggered, taking the total investment to €15m (£12.9m).
At the time, the exact conditions behind the clause were not publicly detailed by Benfica. The midfielder himself also played down any discussion about a long-term stay, saying his future was a “conversation for later”.
Now, however, the situation has moved forward and the permanent transfer is effectively secured. But the story may not end there.
The Portuguese side are preparing a reshuffle of their midfield ahead of next season, with manager José Mourinho keen to reshape the profile of players in that area.
According to the report, Mourinho believes he currently has two midfielders with a similar profile – Barrenechea and Manu Silva – and only one may remain in the squad.
Manu Silva, who joined Benfica from Vitória de Guimarães for €12m (£10.3m) last season, has struggled for minutes. A serious injury kept him out for more than nine months.
Because of that situation, Benfica may look at offers for one of the two midfielders during the summer window.
Mourinho wants ‘another Aursnes’
The background to this situation lies in Mourinho’s tactical preference. The Benfica coach has made it clear he values the profile of Fredrik Aursnes above all others in his midfield structure.
After a recent match, Mourinho explained how crucial that profile is to his team’s balance.
“Our best game against them was in the cup with Aursnes and Barreiro in midfield. We had a lot of the ball and lost it very little,” he said. “Without Aursnes, our music is different. If we lose the ball we have to chase them, they go by motorbike and we go by bicycle.”
The Portuguese coach went further, highlighting how different the team looks with other combinations.
“It’s obvious that I have to say it. One thing is playing with Aursnes and Barreiro, another is with Enzo and Rios. I’m not saying some are better than others. They are completely different.”
What this means for Aston Villa
From Aston Villa’s perspective, the clause means the Premier League side will receive the €15m (£12.9m) fee regardless of Benfica’s long-term plans.
Still, the unusual scenario now emerging is that Benfica could complete the purchase and immediately explore a sale if suitable offers arrive.
If that happens, Villa’s former midfielder could effectively change clubs twice in the same summer. Should there be a percentage clause then the Birmingham club could benefit again
