Aston Villa are currently in the middle of a number of discussions regarding both potential incomings and outgoings.
The Villans secured a spot in the Champions League last season, necessitating reinforcements to handle the increased demands. Additionally, Villa must consider profit and sustainability regulations, likely prompting player sales to maintain financial balance. Recently, the Villans have engaged in discussions with both Juventus and Chelsea about potential player transfers. Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on X, revealing an intriguing development about a midfielder often compared to Rodri.
Aston Villa advancing in talks with Enzo Barrenechea
Earlier on Wednesday, Romano mentioned that Villa are exploring several alternatives to Weston McKennie. One of these options is Enzo Barrenechea, and Romano has now reported that the Villans are progressing in negotiations with the 23-year-old midfielder. According to the transfer insider, Villa are currently working on both a swap deal involving Douglas Luiz and negotiating personal terms for Ian Maatsen. Luiz “strongly desires” a move to Juventus, while discussions are advancing with both Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior in a deal that would also bring Villa around £17 million.
🟣🔵 Aston Villa are currently working on both Douglas Luiz swap deal and Ian Maatsen personal terms.
Douglas strongly wants Juventus, talks advance with Barrenechea and Iling Jr plus over €20m to #AVFC ⚪️⚫️
Ian Maatsen, discussing long-term deal with Villa 🇳🇱
Talks underway. pic.twitter.com/S785vzs8DZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2024
Who is Aston Villa target Barrenechea?
Enzo Barrenechea is an Argentine midfielder who can play both No. 6 and No. 8 roles and is currently with Juventus. The 23-year-old spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Frosinone, making 39 appearances, 36 of which were in Serie A. Barrenechea began his career at Newell’s Old Boys, the same club where Lionel Messi started, before moving to Swiss club Sion in 2019 and then joining Juventus’ academy a year later.
Earlier this year, former Juventus U19 coach Andrea Bonatti praised Barrenechea in an interview with Tuttomercatoweb, describing him as a “really strong” player. Bonatti compared him to Rodri and Sergio Busquets, noting that Barrenechea is a playmaker who can also perform as a midfielder, becoming much more complete. Bonatti expressed confidence in Barrenechea’s potential to succeed at Juventus, but emphasized that the player would need to consistently prove himself.
