Real Betis has identified Argentine Enzo Barrenechea as one of the main options to reinforce the midfield next season. The Verdiblanco club is looking for alternatives after the confirmed departure of Johnny Cardoso to Atlético de Madrid.
Barrenechea, 25, is currently on loan at Benfica, where he arrived last summer from Aston Villa. The Argentine has experience in major European leagues, including stints at Valencia, where he stood out on a previous loan, and Frosinone, in Italy.
Benfica, which invested around 15 million euros to make the transfer permanent with obligation clauses, is open to negotiating the player’s exit in this transfer market. Portuguese sources indicate that the Lisbon club is willing to listen to proposals definitively or on loan with an option to purchase, aiming to recover part of the investment.
The Argentine midfielder has established himself as an important player in Marco Silva’s team this season, with more than 1,700 minutes on the field in the Primeira Liga, one goal and good defensive performance. His 1.86m height and marking ability make him a suitable physical profile for LaLiga’s demanding style of play.
Johnny Cardoso’s departure represents a significant loss for Betis’ midfield. The American, a key player last season, was transferred to Atlético de Madrid for a fee of more than 30 million euros. This forces the Andalusian club to look for a replacement with similar strength, ball recovery and game output characteristics.
Barrenechea had already attracted interest from Betis in previous windows, especially after his good season on loan at Valencia. The fact that Aston Villa is open to negotiations makes the path easier, as the player does not have a guaranteed space in Unai Emery’s project.
For Betis, the Argentine appears as a more affordable option compared to other targets on the market. Reports indicate that a transfer could cost around 10 to 15 million euros, a value that better fits the club’s financial planning for the 2026/27 season.
The Verdiblanco midfield needs urgent replacement to maintain the balance achieved in recent campaigns. Barrenechea, with experience at Juventus and accumulated experience in different contexts, could be the name capable of bringing consistency without demanding excessive investment.