Aston Villa are reportedly set to take a closer look at Enzo Barrenechea in pre-season this summer before deciding on what’s the next best step in his career.
The 23-year-old arrived from Juventus last summer, but was subsequently sent out on a season-long loan to Valencia where he has earned positive reviews over the impact that he’s been able to make.
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Barrenechea has made 31 appearances this year, which in itself is a major boost as it’s given him the opportunity needed to play regularly, gain experience and develop his game, but he’s proven to be a classy addition to the Valencia midfield and a key decision will be needed on his future this summer.
According to Relevo, Valencia are positioning themselves to secure the Argentine midfielder on loan for a second campaign, but it’s noted that Villa will assess him over pre-season before deciding what’s best for his development and future.
It’s added that an immediate deal to return to the La Liga outfit is highly unlikely, but the possibility of continuing with them isn’t entirely ruled out, dependent on what Villa decide after he’s had the opportunity to impress during our pre-season schedule.
There are a number of key factors involved and so this could potentially be a critical decision from the club, as our transfer strategy will likely hinge heavily on whether or not we’re able to secure qualification for the Champions League for a second consecutive campaign.
If we do, that could boost our ability to keep hold of our influential players and strengthen around them. If we fall short, an adjustment might be needed with sales required to balance our books and ensure we stay within the PSR parameters.
Based on what we’ve seen of him thus far, Barrenechea has a bright future ahead of him, and importantly, he looks like an ideal fit for Unai Emery’s system and style of play with his ability to dictate and control games in the deeper pivot with his composure, technical quality, tenacity and physical presence.
Nevertheless, with Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley ahead of him in the pecking order as things stand, it’s easy to see him becoming a PSR sale to balance our spending on other areas of the squad, and that would be a huge shame, especially if it happens before he’s given a chance to break into the Villa side.
The report above would suggest that he’ll get that shot in pre-season which starts in mid-July against Walsall, and having impressed last summer, it’s hoped that Barrenechea has improved over the past year and will stake a serious claim to remain as part of Emery’s plans next season, be it with fierce competition for places in midfield still or not.