Enzo Barrenechea in action for Valencia on a loanspel from Aston Villa in 2025

Aston Villa in exclusive Barrenechea talks with Benfica amid €12m price tag

John William Last updated: Jul 14, 2025, 10:55 am
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Image: IMAGO / Photo Players Images

Enzo Barrenechea Aston Villa Benfica transfer 2025 looks to be entering its final stages, with reports confirming exclusive negotiations now underway between the two clubs.

Despite early interest from Porto, Valencia, and Real Betis, it’s Benfica who have taken control of the race to sign the Argentine midfielder — and they’re eager to wrap things up quickly.

Monchi Holding Firm on Villa’s €12m Valuation

Earlier reports from Marca suggested multiple suitors for Barrenechea, but none were close to matching Aston Villa’s €12 million asking price. That includes Porto, who reached out via the player’s agent but have since made no progress.

Villa sporting director Monchi is said to be holding out for a “convincing offer” — and won’t entertain bids from any other club until talks with Benfica reach a conclusion.

Benfica Must Increase Their Offer

According to A BolaBenfica’s opening proposal fell short of Villa’s valuation, and they will need to come back with a stronger bid. The exact number isn’t revealed, but it's understood to be well below the €12m mark.

Still, the Lisbon giants are determined to get the deal done. Their urgency is matched by Villa’s willingness to offload the 24-year-old, provided the financials make sense.

Barrenechea’s Villa Spell Could Be Short-Lived

Barrenechea joined Aston Villa with promise, but first-team opportunities have been limited. A move to Portugal could provide the regular football and tactical system better suited to his style — especially under Bruno Lage, who reportedly sees him as a key fit.

Transfer Status Tracker: Enzo Barrenechea

Club Status Notes
Benfica Active Talks Exclusive negotiations in progress
Porto No Progress Initial contact only
Valencia Monitoring No formal bid
Real Betis Interest Cooled Focus shifted elsewhere

Analyst Verdict

Villa are right to hold out for proper value. At 24, Barrenechea still has upside, and Monchi’s insistence on exclusive talks signals belief in a deal — but not desperation. Benfica want him badly, but the question remains: will they pay up?

Key Insights

  • Aston Villa in exclusive negotiations with Benfica for Barrenechea
  • €12m asking price not yet met — Benfica must improve offer
  • Porto, Betis, and Valencia now out of the picture
  • Monchi will not consider other clubs until Benfica talks conclude
  • Barrenechea seeking more consistent first-team football

What’s Next?

Benfica are expected to return with a new offer. If they match Villa’s €12m price, the deal could be done swiftly. If not, Monchi may reopen the door to other suitors.


Should Villa hold firm on €12m — or risk losing the deal?

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