Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Valenkea has linked his move from the club and is now closer to signing Benfica.
According to journalist Hector Gomez, the two clubs have now reached an agreement, with the Portuguese outfits going to pay the players 15 million euros. They earn 70% of the midfielder rights.
The player also gave them a green light to move around. He is now trying to get his career back on track with regular football at a Portuguese club. Barrenechea would have struggled with regular game time at Aston Villa next season, and staying at the West Midlands club would have been stupid.
Enzo Barrenechea needs a new start
The 24-year-old had to play regularly at this stage of his career, and Benfica was able to offer him the opportunity. He has the technical attributes to play at the highest level and is looking to establish himself as a player for the Portuguese Giants.
He was loaned out in Valencia last season, but did reasonably well for his LA La Liga outfit.
It would be interesting to see if he could hit the ground running in the Portuguese League. If he can fulfill his potential, he will have many opportunities to join elite clubs in the future. For now, he should focus on his development and play regularly.
The player enters the peak period of his career and he aims to fulfill his potential in the upcoming seasons. He’s definitely a quality player. It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa regrets their decision to let him leave.
Can Aston Villa replace him?
Aston Villa already lacks depth in the middle of the park, and needs someone to control the game and add technical capabilities to the middle. They should make sure to replace the Argentine midfielder once his exit is confirmed.
Barrenechea was not an important part of Unai Emery’s plan, but more bodies are needed in the middle of the park, and signing the central midfielder is a priority.