Brighton & Hove Albion are firmly in the fight for a top-six finish in the Premier League and are also competing in the UEFA Europa League this season. Knowing their need to strengthen the squad, it appears that the Seagulls are closing in on the signing of a new full-back in Valentin Barco.
Brighton Close To Sealing Deal for Valentin Barco
How Much Will Brighton Pay For Barco?
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that the Boca Juniors defender is set to undergo his medicals in Argentina ahead of his imminent move to Roberto de Zerbi’s side. It is added that the teenager is currently with the Argentina under-23 team, so will have his medicals in the training base itself.
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Ornstein also adds that Brighton have agreed to pay a fee of around £7.8 million to sign the highly-rated youngster and that the 19-year-old has also agreed on a four-and-a-half-year contract with them, with there being an option to extend it for an extra year until 2029.
The journalist also claims that Barco will finalise his move to England after completing his medicals in his country and fulfilling national duties. He claims that Brighton’s interest in the Boca Juniors player dates back to last summer and that they have tracked him for a long time.
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What Can Barco Bring To Brighton?
In Barco, the Seagulls are set to receive a versatile player who can play anywhere across the left flank. He is naturally a left-back, who can also operate as a wing-back or even more advanced in a left-wing role if needed. Despite his age, Barco has already made 35 appearances for Boca Juniors, in which he has scored a goal and provided three assists.
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The 19-year-old has also represented Argentina across multiple youth levels and has impressed many present and past Argentina players. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has also tipped him to be a “very important” player for the Argentine national team in the future and Barco’s creativity has gained him a lot of praise.
Signing the South American “phenomenon” is a major coup for de Zerbi’s side considering the fact that title contenders like Manchester City and Liverpool showed interest in the player.
Brighton have usually been excellent with their acquisition from South America, signing the likes of Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, and current team stars Julio Encisio and Facundo Buonanotte, who have all excelled and proven to be well worth the buy.
