Aston Villa are on the verge of finalising a significant transfer deal with Juventus for midfielder Douglas Luiz, which will see the Premier League club receive two promising young players and a substantial cash sum.
The agreement has undergone a recent change, with Argentine midfielder Enzo Barrenechea replacing American Weston McKennie in the deal according to HITC.
Initially, Juventus had offered McKennie, Samuel Iling-Junior, and £16 million for Luiz. However, McKennie's inability to agree on personal terms with Villa led to a revision of the deal. Consequently, the clubs decided to include Barrenechea instead. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder spent last season on loan at Frosinone, where he impressed with his performances.
Barrenechea's former manager, Eusebio Di Francesco, has drawn comparisons between him and renowned midfielders like Manchester City's Rodri and Barcelona's Sergio Busquets. Di Francesco highlighted Barrenechea's versatility, noting that he can play both as a playmaker and a midfielder. He praised Barrenechea's aerial ability, pitch coverage, technique, and composure under pressure, emphasising that he has become a more complete player.
🚨🟣🔵 Aston Villa and Juventus keep working on Douglas Luiz swap deal to find a solution.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2024
As revealed today, McKennie could be OUT of the swap deal with another player in.
↪️ Enzo Barrenechea, option discussed. Dean Hujisen, appreciated but expensive. Moise Kean NOT an option. pic.twitter.com/ri86ToWAZB
The revised deal will see Villa receive £21 million, along with Iling-Junior and Barrenechea. Luiz, who has already agreed on terms with Juventus, is set to move to Turin to play under new manager Thiago Motta.
The urgency for Villa to complete the deal before the end of June stems from profit and sustainability rule issues, as the club aims to report a positive sale on their books.
Villa, who qualified for the Champions League last season, are looking to bolster their squad to cope with the additional workload in the upcoming campaign. The club is also mindful of balancing the books and is likely to sell a few players to achieve this goal.
As talks continue to advance, Villa are also working on personal terms for Chelsea's Ian Maatsen. The Villans are in the midst of several discussions regarding potential incomings and outgoings as they prepare for a challenging season ahead.
With Barrenechea's inclusion in the deal and his agreement on personal terms, the transfer of Douglas Luiz to Juventus is expected to be finalised within days. This marks a significant move for both clubs involved.
The Argentine midfielder's arrival at Villa Park will provide the club with a promising talent who has the potential to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
Aston Villa's strategic manoeuvring in the transfer market is set to bring in fresh talent while ensuring financial stability. The inclusion of Enzo Barrenechea in the deal not only addresses the immediate need for a skilled midfielder but also aligns with the club's long-term vision.