‘Aston Villa play risky game’ as Barrenechea transfer twist emerges
Aston Villa signed Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus last year but he could be set for a brisk exit from Villa Park this summer.
Douglas Luiz left Unai Emery’s side for Juventus last summer, which saw separate deals for Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior to come the other way.
The Italian giants seem to have got the better of that deal, with Iling-Junior struggling on loan at Bologna and Middlesbrough last season.
Barrenechea had a fairly successful loan at Valencia last season, but Villa could look to cash in on the midfielder.
Barrenechea exit not as concrete as first thought
Barrenechea was expected to leave Villa this summer.
It was reported that several European clubs, including Valencia, were ready to make a move for the Argentine, but Emery’s side are holding out for a bigger fee.
| Enzo Barrenechea’s 2024/25 La Liga statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Touches | 56.3 |
| Accurate passes | 39 (87%) |
According to Spanish outlet Marca (13 July), Valencia would like Barrenechea back on loan, but Villa are seeking a permanent exit.
Though the Spaniards face competition from Porto and Benfica for the Argentine, neither club have been able to meet Aston Villa’s valuation of the 24-year-old.
Emery’s side are reportedly holding out for £10.4million for the midfielder.
The 24-year-old arrived for a fee of around £6.9m last year, but he could leave for more despite not making a single Villa appearance.
Aston Villa risk having Barrenechea stuck on their books
If Villa remain stubborn in negotiations for Barrenechea, they risk having an unwanted player stuck on their books.
Given their issues with Profit and Sustainability Rules already this summer, making money from the sale of the midfielder would be useful in helping Emery make some signings of his own.
The Villans have struggled to bolster their squad this summer and have been regularly outbid by rivals for signings.
The sale of Barrenechea would ease any financial worries slightly and would shift his wages off the books.
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