Enzo Barrenechea sends message as player waves farewell away from Aston Villa
Aston Villa have a sensational talent on their books in Enzo Barrenechea, who has spent this season on loan at Valencia.
Barrenechea joined from Juventus last summer as part of the deal which saw Douglas Luiz head to Turin, but he was sent out on loan, not part of the first-team plans just yet.
Aston Villa and Unai Emery will benefit, though, as the midfielder has enjoyed an excellent season at Valencia in La Liga, where he has played alongside some notable players.
The midfielder has excelled under former West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, and he has now sent a message to a player now heading to the Premier League alongside him.
Barrenchea sends message to Liverpool-bound Giorgio Mamardashvili
Premier League champions Liverpool closed a surprise deal last summer as they signed Giorgio Mamardashvili from Valencia, and loaned him back to the Spanish side.
The goalkeeper has been impressive over the years, and the Georgian was a standout performer during Euro 2024.
Barrenechea played alongside him this season, and they both featured in their final home game of the season as Valencia were beaten 1-0 by Athletic Club at Mestalla Stadium.
| Stat | Barrenchea |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
The pair said their goodbyes to the fans in attendance, and Barrenechea has now praised the goalkeeper after playing with him.
“Best of luck, brother. You’re a great one,” the Villa loanee commented on Mamardashvili’s emotional farewell post on Instagram.
Barrenchea can be a useful asset for Villa
Barrenechea has performed superbly for Valencia in a deeper midfield role as part of a trio alongside reported Villa target Javi Guerra.
If he returns to Villa Park next season, the 23-year-old can become a useful player for Emery, particularly if there are departures in midfield.
Youri Tielemans has been linked with an exit, and Barrenechea could help soften this blow by returning as part of the squad, like a new signing.
The Argentinian has displayed genius levels of passing and vision, while also bringing a physical presence to the middle of the park, and Villa may have landed themselves a gem despite losing Luiz in the process.
Now, it is time to prove that on the biggest stage.