Brighton are finalizing a deal with Boca Juniors for versatile left-back Valentín Barco. The Seagulls are completing the deal by activating the 19-year-old defenseman’s $10 million buyout clause. The Premier League team had to act quite quickly on the transfer because the aforementioned clause was going to increase soon. Brighton would have had to spend $14 million on Barco if they had waited one more day.
The teenage prospect was widely seen as a prized asset for Boca Juniors. Transfermarkt currently rates Barco as the club’s most valuable player, almost $5 million more than any other former teammate. Brighton battled interest from a host of English teams to sign the defender/midfielder. Chelsea, Manchester City and Leicester City were previously linked with the young Argentine.
A desired destination for young people
Brighton had an advantage over their rivals due to several advantages. Firstly, the South Coast club has strong scouting connections in South America. Brighton is a relatively new Premier League club. Still, there are currently five players from South America on the roster. This number will expand to seven once Steven Alzate (Colombia) and Jeremy Sarmiento (Ecuador) return from their loan deals.
The Seagulls also previously signed Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo in 2021. After developing the star, Brighton management sold the dynamic player to Chelsea in a record $125 million deal this summer.
As well as having a strong presence near Barco’s country, Brighton also has a history of giving playing time to youngsters. The teenage prospect would certainly have to be patient if he moved to Chelsea or City.
The Seagulls also play an attractive brand of football under coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian coach helped his team qualify for the Europa League at the end of the 2022/23 season. It was the first time that the club participated in a European competition. Brighton then advanced to the knockout round of the tournament by finishing first in their group in December.
Valentin Barco can bring versatility to Brighton
Despite being only 19 years old, Barco played 35 games in total for Boca Juniors. Although he is usually a left back, the teenage sensation can play in different positions. Barco appeared in four different places on the pitch throughout the 2023 campaign. He can play at left back, left back, on the left side of midfield, in central midfield and even on the left flank.
This versatility surely caught the attention of Brighton officials. Star left back Pervis Estupiñán is currently the team’s only true left back at the moment. Barco could be used as a backup for his South American compatriots.
However, depending on how he settles in England, De Zerbi could also opt to play Barco further up the pitch. It is not yet clear how involved the youngster will be in the current team. However, Brighton have lost a number of players to various injuries and could do with reinforcements. Barco is signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Seagulls. The club will also have the option to extend the contract for another year.
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