Benfica Close to Signing Enzo Barrenechea from Aston Villa

Benfica are close to signing midfielder Enzo Barrenechea from Aston Villa for €15 million. The 24-year-old Argentine has agreed to a five-year deal. Only a few final details remain before the transfer is confirmed.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Benfica and Aston Villa have agreed on the transfer for Barrenechea, with Benfica buying 70% of his rights. Barrenechea played 31 matches on loan at Valencia last season, scoring once and assisting twice.

The move offers Barrenechea a chance to play regularly, as first-team opportunities were limited at Aston Villa. FC Porto were also interested but fell behind in the race for his signature.

BENFICA’S PLANS AND BARRENECHEA’S CAREER SO FAR

Benfica aim to win the Primeira Liga after finishing second last season. They hope Barrenechea, who is entering his peak years, will strengthen their midfield options.

According to a previous report, Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga last season.

At Valencia, Barrenechea was praised for his strong work rate and technical skill, but he did not find a regular role at Aston Villa. After finishing eighth in the Premier League, Aston Villa decided to let the midfielder leave and focus on other options.

NEXT STEPS FOR BENFICA AND THEIR NEW SIGNING

Barrenechea is expected to join Benfica before they open their league season against Rio Ave for the League opener and, before that, against Sporting for the Portuguese Supercup. The club, who finished two points behind rivals Sporting last season, have high expectations for the new campaign.

Barrenechea hopes the move will help him develop further and attract interest from top European clubs. Meanwhile, Aston Villa will need to find a replacement ahead of their Champions League and Premier League matches, with Newcastle as their first opponent.

As reported recently, Aston Villa has been fined €11 million by UEFA for breaching FFP regulations.