Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenetxea is close to completing a permanent transfer from the club.
The talented Argentine is currently on loan at Portuguese giants Benfica for the 2025/2026 season, with one game left before his mandatory buyout clause is triggered.
This impending move is smart business for Aston Villa, allowing the player to secure a significant financial boost without having to feature in any competitive senior matches for the Villans.
This transfer was one of the most unique in recent Premier League history.
Enzo Barrenetxea’s arrival at Villa Park in 2024 was part of a financial maneuver aimed at supporting the club under the Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), having been signed from Juventus in a separate but related deal to Douglas Ruiz’s move to Turin.
Now, the foundations laid a year ago are paying off admirably, providing manager Unai Emery with vital funds to develop his squad.
Enzo Barrenetxea is just one game away from leaving Aston Villa
The Express and Star report that the 24-year-old midfielder is on the verge of leaving Villa permanently.
Barrenetxea’s loan deal with Benfica includes an obligation to buy clause, which will be triggered once Barrenetxea makes 15 appearances for the Portuguese club.
He has appeared in 14 games so far, and his next appearance will effectively secure him a permanent transfer.
According to reports, Aston Villa have already secured an initial £2.5m loan fee for the temporary move.
If the obligation clause is triggered, Villa will be guaranteed a further £10.5m from Benfica to make the deal permanent.
The player, who spent last season on loan at Valencia, has a total transfer fee of around £13 million.
This superior financial engineering ensures healthy profits for Aston Villa and supports the club’s ambitions while complying with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Meanwhile, Barrenetxea has found a stable home at Benfica and aims to continue his development in the Primeira Liga, a move that is a win-win for all involved.
It is also reported that Villa will retain a 30% sell-on clause on any future profits Benfica make from the player.
Enzo Barrenetxea’s rise at Benfica
Since joining Benfica, he has impressed with his composure, tactical discipline and passing range, becoming a regular starter for the Portuguese club.
Barrenetxea would have struggled to get game time at Aston Villa, but he has started every game for Benfica this season and even scored a goal against Calabag in the Champions League.
Barrenetxea’s success in Portugal could make him one of the next Argentine midfielders to rise through the European ranks, a journey that will now benefit both him and Aston Villa.