11 months ago
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Brighton have secured the signing of versatile teenager Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors, as confirmed by the player himself.
The 19-year-old made his professional debut for Boca in 2021 aged just 16 and has since made 35 appearances for the Argentine giants.
Braco has earned caps for Argentina at Under-20 and Under-23 level and is considered one of the brightest young prospects in the country.
The Athletic report that the Seagulls are signing the teenager for just £7.85m, and he admits that he is going to have to adapt to the style of football in the Premier League and under Roberto De Zerbi.
‘I’m already a Brighton player,’ he told ESPN. ‘It’s a totally different kind of football than here. I’ll have to adapt, I hope it’s quick.
‘I didn’t have the opportunity to speak with the coach. I did speak with Facu (Buonanotte), who is there.’
On his versatility, Barco said: ‘I can do it as a (back) three or as a midfielder, So wherever the team and the coach need me, I’m going to do it.’
Barco has played as a full-back, wing-back, winger and number 10, so it is not clear where Brighton intend to use him, but they have beaten stiff competition to sign him as Liverpool and Manchester City were both credited with interest.
On playing in midfield and full-back, he told TYC Sports: ‘I feel comfortable in both roles and I’ll play whether the coach or team needs me.
‘A lot of people see me as a midfielder as my main quality is attacking play, but I love to play at left-back because I have the whole pitch in front of me.’
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