Brighton ink Argentina U23 star Barco from Boca Juniors

Brighton have inked highly-rated Argentina U23 defender Valentín Barco from Boca Juniors, the Premier League side shared today.

🔵🇦🇷 Brighton finally confirm Valentín Barco deal. $10m release clause to Boca Juniors, contract until 2028 for Argentinian talent.

“He is an exciting prospect, we will give him the right time to adapt”, David Weir says. pic.twitter.com/4De2g48Bi8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2024

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The 19-year-old defender made an impression with his involvement in Boca Juniors to advance to last year’s Copa Libertadores final.

Barco played for his country at the U20 World Cup in the past summer and has since appeared in Argentina’s U23 selections.

“Barco was on our sight for a long time, and we have been impressed with the progress he has achieved both with his club and with his country,” Brighton’s technical director claimed of the transfer.

“Valentin is a fantastic prospect, but it is crucial we give him the time as he needs to settle and adapt to the country and the toughest and most competitive league in the world.”

Weir added that he is certain that Barco would become an elite player under head coach Roberto de Zerbi.