Boca Juniors could accept Manchester City’s reported £15 million offer for 19-year-old Argentine wonderkid Valentin Barco.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City could edge out rivals in the chase for Valentin Borca. The 19-year-old Argentine wonderkid could move to the club as Boca Juniors could accept a new £15 million offer for the exciting left-back.
Valentin Barco had made a mark with his mature performances for Boca Juniors at an early age. The 19-year-old Argentine wonderkid is now one of their key stars and has already attracted the attention of top European clubs, including a host of them from the Premier League.
The report mentions serial scouts Brighton, who have developed a solid reputation for plucking top talents from everywhere, especially South America, on the cheap and early. They have found resounding success in recent years with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Julio Enciso, Moises Caicedo and Pervis Estupinan.
In most cases, Brighton might have got hold of the player, but in this particular chase for Barco, it’s Manchester City who are competing. Other sides like Chelsea and Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on the 19-year-old Argentine wonderkid, but it’s Pep Guardiola’s side who are about to steal the march.
🚨 FI SOURCES! 🚨
Man City £15m offer for Barco likely to be accepted. 🤑🤝
✍️: @SportsPeteO#MCFC #BHAFC
Full story ⬇️— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) September 20, 2023
Manchester City were growing in confidence about signing Barco. Not that the 19-year-old Argentine would help solve any problems at left-back, but the club views him as a similar talent to the now-established Julian Alvarez.
Manchester City had reportedly bid £10 million, which was also Barco’s release clause on his existing contract that runs out next year. However, the left-back is poised to sign a new deal with Boca Juniors that will help the club protect his value.
As per the report, Manchester City will now make an improved bid worth £15 million, which Boca Juniors are open to accepting. It’s a decent value for the 19-year-old, while English clubs will not flinch paying such fees.
Manchester City are building quite a stable of young stars in the background and are able to sell them on for profit. The 19-year-old’s arrival will only do a little to their current defensive setup, with Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol playing left-back roles from time to time.
However, the arrival of Barco could spell the end for Sergio Gomez, who has yet to make a mark under Guardiola since joining the club last summer.
