Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenechea is set to leave the club for good.
The talented Argentine, on loan to Portuguese giants Benfica for the 2025/2026 season, is just one appearance away from triggering a compulsory purchase clause.
This imminent transfer represents a shrewd deal for Aston Villa, securing a significant financial boost without the player ever featuring in a competitive senior match for the Villans.
This transfer is one of the most unique in recent Premier League history.
Enzo Barrenechea’s arrival at Villa Park in 2024 was part of a financial maneuver to help the club with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), having been signed by Juventus in a separate deal but linked to Douglas Luiz’s move to Turin.
Now, the foundations laid a year ago are expected to bear fruit in a big way, providing crucial funds for the development of Unai Emery’s team.
Enzo Barrenechea one game away from Aston Villa exit
The Express and the Star report that the 24-year-old midfielder is set to leave Villa permanently.
The loan deal with Benfica included an obligation to buy clause, which kicks in once Barrenechea makes 15 appearances for the Portuguese club.
Having made 14 appearances to date, permanent sale is effectively assured upon its next release.
According to the report, Aston Villa have already pocketed an initial £2.5 million as a loan fee for the temporary switch.
Once the mandatory clause is triggered, Villa will be guaranteed a further £10.5million from Benfica to make the deal permanent.
The total fee for the player, who spent the previous season on loan at Valencia, is around £13 million.
This excellent piece of financial engineering ensures a healthy profit for Aston Villa, helping to support the club’s ambitions while respecting the rules of Financial Fair Play.
Barrenechea, meanwhile, has found a stable home at Benfica and will look to continue his development in the Primeira Liga, a win-win move for all parties involved.
Villa would also retain a 30% resale clause on any future profit Benfica makes from the player.
Enzo Barrenechea’s rise to Benfica
Since joining Benfica, he has impressed with his composure, tactical discipline and passing range, becoming a regular starter for the Portuguese club.
While Barrenechea reportedly struggled for playing time at Aston Villa, he has started every game for Benfica this season and even scored in the Champions League against Qarabag.
Barrenechea’s success in Portugal could make him one of the next Argentine midfielders to climb the European ranks, a journey which now benefits him and Aston Villa.
