Aston Villa signed Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus in July 2024. The transfer happened at the same time Douglas Luiz went the other way.

Unai Emery didn’t have a place for the Argentine in his Aston Villa squad, so the midfielder was sent out on loan to Valencia. That worked out remarkably well for him and his family.

Before Barrenechea was even considered for a possible move to Aston Villa, the 24-year-old sister had enrolled at university in the city. On top of that, other members of his family also moved there.

Barrenechea became more important for Valencia as the season went on. It was widely expected they’d push for another deal, but they tried to drag it out until the end of the window. That was in the hope of a cheaper move.

However, Benfica arrived in mid July and ruined everything for Valencia.

They secured the Aston Villa player on loan with an obligation to buy under certain circumstances. Tuesday’s edition of A Bola reports those circumstances have almost been met.

Barrenechea is one game away from becoming a permanent purchase. He’s been a starter under both Bruno Lage and Jose Mourinho...