Valentin Barco’s release clause will be paid by Manchester City, and according to a report, the Sky Blues are reportedly willing to spend more to get the defender.
What are the most recent Man City moving news?
Mateo Kovacic, a midfielder, and Josko Gvardiol, a defender, have already been acquired by Pep Guardiola from Chelsea and RB Leipzig, respectively, but it appears that the Etihad will be quite active at the end of the transfer window.
The triple champions appear to be looking to recruit attacking players, particularly a new right-winger in the wake of Riyad Mahrez’s exit to Saudi Arabia. The preferred candidate for that position appears to be Jeremy Doku of Rennes; according to recent rumours, City and the Belgian have even reached an agreement on personal conditions for a five-year contract.
Given that Kevin de Bruyne might be out for a while with a hamstring injury before the September 1 deadline, another attacking midfielder could possibly be on the market.
Another player who was frequently connected with a transfer was West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta, but it appears that the club has a new goal in Boca Juniors youth Barco and is eager to swoop.
In the previous 48 hours, Sport Witness transmitted a transfer update on Barco from one Argentinian source. They stated that City are prepared to exercise the player’s $10 million (£7.86 million) release clause, but the Sky Blues are actually prepared to pay $14 million (£11 million) and would also have to “pay taxes” for the transfer, bringing the total to $17 million (£13.3 million), more than £5 million over the player’s actual release clause.
Barco wants to play in the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors before making any moves elsewhere, something Manchester City may have to take into account while negotiating a trade. Barco has also been sought by Brighton & Hove Albion.
Valentin Barco: Who is he?
Barco, who is 19 years old and normally plays left back, can also move slightly further forward if necessary to play left midfield.
The Argentina U20 international’s contract with Boca Juniors is good through the end of 2024, and Transfermarkt values him at a career-high €3.5 million. He is already sponsored by Adidas.
He has made 20 senior appearances for his present employers, 17 of which came in 2023, and based on the way things are going, England has taken notice of him. Back in 2021, Juan Carlos Pasman cited Barco’s skill with free kicks as one of the 60 top young football players in the world at the time:
Despite the fact that his coaches would prefer him to play in midfield due to his technical prowess, he now plays in the same position as Roberto Carlos and wants to stay in defence. He has already appeared on three occasions for Boca’s first team and is currently a member of Argentina’s under-17 squad.
He can score goals with his left foot off of dead balls and has a great free kick. He is a fantastic attacker. catches the eye with his vivid red hair and shows potential as a future star.
With City having only two weeks to close a contract, a transfer to the Etihad appears to be one to watch.
