Benfica’s move to sign Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenechea permanently this summer could quickly turn into one of the more unusual transfer situations of the upcoming window.
The Argentine joined the Portuguese club on loan for the current season, but the deal included a mandatory purchase clause linked to his number of appearances. According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, that clause has already been triggered after the midfielder became a regular starter in Benfica’s midfield.
However, despite the permanent transfer being effectively secured, the club are already considering whether to sell him during the same transfer window.
Benfica mandatory purchase clause already activated
Barrenechea’s consistent involvement this season has automatically triggered the obligation to buy clause included in the original loan agreement.
Reports state that the midfielder has played around 2,750 minutes this season, making him one of the most frequently used players in Benfica’s midfield rotation.
The agreement between the two clubs included a €3 million loan fee and a further €12 million payment once the purchase clause was activated. That means Aston Villa are set to receive a total of €15 million for the transfer.
At the time the deal was agreed, the exact appearance conditions were not publicly detailed. The player himself also avoided discussing his long term future earlier in the season, suggesting it would be addressed later.
With the threshold now reached, the permanent transfer is effectively confirmed.
| Transfer Structure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Loan fee | €3m |
| Mandatory purchase | €12m |
| Total deal value | €15m |
source: O Jogo report – 10 March 2026
Benfica considering immediate resale
Despite the obligation to complete the transfer, Benfica are reportedly reviewing their midfield structure ahead of next season.
Manager José Mourinho is said to be assessing the balance of profiles within his midfield options. According to the report, the coach currently sees similarities between Barrenechea and fellow midfielder Manu Silva.
Silva joined Benfica from Vitória de Guimarães for around €12 million but has struggled to establish himself due to a long term injury that kept him sidelined for more than nine months.
Because of that situation, Benfica could consider selling one of the two midfielders once the summer window opens.
Mourinho’s midfield preferences influencing decision
The potential reshuffle is linked to Mourinho’s tactical preferences.
The Benfica manager has repeatedly highlighted the importance of players who offer the balance and versatility of Fredrik Aursnes in midfield.
“Our best game against them was in the cup with Aursnes and Barreiro in midfield. We had a lot of the ball and lost it very little.” — José Mourinho
Mourinho explained that the team’s balance changes depending on the midfield combination used.
“One thing is playing with Aursnes and Barreiro, another is with Enzo and Rios. I’m not saying some are better than others. They are completely different.” — José Mourinho
Those tactical considerations could ultimately determine whether Barrenechea remains at Benfica after the permanent transfer is completed.
What this means for Aston Villa
For Aston Villa, the mandatory clause ensures the club will receive the €15 million transfer fee regardless of Benfica’s long term plans.
If Benfica decide to sell the midfielder during the same window, it could create a rare scenario where the player changes clubs twice in one summer.
There is also the possibility that Villa negotiated a sell on percentage within the agreement, which could allow the Premier League club to benefit financially again if a second transfer takes place.
Key Insights
- Enzo Barrenechea’s loan move to Benfica included a mandatory purchase clause.
- The clause has been triggered after the midfielder reached the required appearance threshold.
- Aston Villa are set to receive around €15 million for the transfer.
- Benfica may consider selling the player immediately as part of a midfield reshuffle.
- José Mourinho’s tactical preferences could influence the final decision.
What’s Next
Benfica will formally complete the permanent transfer once the season ends, fulfilling the mandatory purchase clause included in the original loan agreement.
After that, the club may assess potential offers depending on their midfield planning for next season. If interest emerges from other clubs, Barrenechea could become part of an unusual transfer sequence involving two moves in the same window.
Could Enzo Barrenechea really change clubs twice in the same transfer window?
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