Monchi Opens Up On The Future Of This Aston Villa Midfielder: What’s Next For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent interview with Canal Sur Radio, Monchi, the president of football operations at Aston Villa, has opened up on the rumoured interest in Enzo Barrenechea. The Argentine was surplus to requirements last season, but an impressive season-long loan with Valencia could now see further movements in the summer window.

The 24-year-old midfield prospect progressed through the academy ranks of Newell’s Old Boys back in his homeland before being roped in by Swiss outfit FC Sion. Following a spell with their reserves, he joined Juventus Next Gen and eventually earned a regular status in Serie C. However, the Bianconeri loaned him out to newly-promoted Frosinone for top-flight football. Despite the latter’s relegation from Serie A, Barrenechea made his presence known week in and week out as a deep-lying playmaker.

Yet he never featured for Juventus after five first-team appearances in the 2022-23 campaign. They sanctioned a €8m (plus €3m in add-ons) transfer to Villa Park to streamline the Douglas Luiz deal in the summer of 2024. It was more of a business decision rather than an absolute need, and the uncertainty over regular minutes led to a temporary switch to Mestalla for the 2024-25 season. There he was ever-present in the centre of the pitch, and the promising stint has reportedly drawn the attention of Real Betis.

PAMPLONA, SPAIN – MARCH 02: Jon Moncayola of CA Osasuna is challenged by Enzo Barrenechea of Valencia CF during the LaLiga match between CA Osasuna and Valencia CF at Estadio El Sadar on March 02, 2025, in Pamplona, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Monchi has played it coy while discussing his future, as he admitted interest from many European clubs. But his future remains up in the air, particularly with John McGinn, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, and Ross Barkley challenging each other in Unai Emery’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

Told the Spaniard, who joined Villa a couple of summers ago after his profound experience with Sevilla and AS Roma as their director of football.

Why Aston Villa Should Keep Hold Of Him Unless An Astronomical Offer

A controversial final-day defeat against Manchester United denied Aston Villa back-to-back Champions League campaigns. This has hit them hard, as they must comply with the Premier League’s PSR during summer business. The growing competition in the English top-flight could jeopardise a direct qualification, and Emery, having won three Europa League titles in a row during his Sevilla regime, must keep that route open, similar to Ange Postecoglou’s European success with Tottenham Hotspur.

Nevertheless, the gaffer must ensure depth and quality across the pitch to compete in the Premier League, Europa League and two domestic Cups. Adjusting to the grind and demands of the English game after Thursday night football is tiresome, but a player of Barrenechea’s profile could benefit from the situation. Barrenechea would be an efficient option to deal with fixture congestion, and the club should only consider a significant bid to sanction any form of transfer.