Aston Villa Enzo is watching a very unusual transfer series develop around Barrenchia. This is because the midfielder has barely become a permanent player at Benfica and he is already interested in another move.
last month, Portuguese reports interpreted Benfica would be willing to sell Barrenchea this summer. This would be despite previously being obliged to buy him from Aston Villa.
The logic was logical. Jose Mourinho reportedly believes the Argentine’s profile does not fully match what he wants in midfield in the long term. The Benfica manager is preferring players close to Frederic Orsnes in style.
Now the first solid lover has appeared. according to to ballValencia is closely monitoring the situation in Barrenchia. They are interested in bringing him back to Spain.
Aston Villa previously loaned him there
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 for Benfica to sign him in the first place. Valencia wanted to keep the midfielder permanently last year, but Benfica outbid them financially.
The Portuguese side agreed to pay €3m (£2.6m) for an initial loan. They agreed to pay a further €12m (£10.3m) Attendance requirements met. Those conditions have now officially begun.
Barrenchia has made 26 league appearances this season and logged almost 2,000 Liga Portugal minutes, meaning Aston Villa will have to pay the full €15m (£12.9m) package.
Technically, the midfielder is now simply transitioning from being an Aston Villa player to a permanent Benfica signee. Yet before that permanent chapter can even properly begin, another exit is already being discussed – and to the same club Villa previously loaned him to.
Benfica need cash – Valencia need loan
According to A Bola, Valencia are very aware of Barrencha’s current situation under Mourinho. However, the Spanish club are unwilling to match the €15m (£12.9m) that Benfica are investing in him.
Instead, Valencia would prefer another loan, this time with an option to buy. This can become a sticking point.
Benfica reportedly want an immediate cash sale this summer as Mourinho and the club hierarchy prepare to make significant changes to the squad.
It is still unclear whether Aston Villa have any sell-on percentage in the Benfica deal, although if Barreca moves again in the future they will probably take at least some small change through FIFA solidarity payments.
What happens next, however, is turning into one of the strangest transfer situations of the summer market.
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