Liverpool will reportedly compete for the signature of 19-year-old Argentine defensive sensation Valentin Barco next year.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Valentin Barco is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The 19-year-old has become highly sought-after in the transfer market ahead of the January transfer window. And the Reds will compete with other European bigwigs for his signature next year.
Valentin Barco has established himself as one of the best young defensive prospects in South America in the last few years. The Argentine wonderkid began his youth career at Sportivo Las Parejas before having a short stint with Norberto de la Riestra. But his stock has soared since joining Boca Juniors in 2014.
The 19-year-old rose through the ranks at the Argentine club before breaking into the first-team squad in 2021. But he only became a regular for Boca Juniors this past season, turning out 30 times while chipping in with one goal and four assists. Meanwhile, Barco’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many high-profile clubs.
The first links featuring Barco appeared in the summer transfer window, with Manchester City showing interest. Since then, several other bigwigs have joined the race to sign the teenage prodigy, including Juventus. But the latest update has linked him with Liverpool.
The Reds do not necessarily need to sign a left-back, considering Andrew Robertson is at the peak of his powers. But Kostas Tsimikas has blown hot and cold in Robertson’s absence this term. That might be the reason for Liverpool scouring the market for a left-back ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window.
A few candidates, including Alphonso Davies, have emerged on Liverpool’s radar, with Valentin Barco also a viable target. The 19-year-old can learn the ropes from Robertson before becoming the first-choice left-back in a few years. The Reds can also loan him out to help him gain first-team minutes before he can be a regular for them.
But Liverpool will face stiff competition from other European bigwigs for Barco’s signature. So, it will be interesting to see if the Merseyside club will win the race to sign the 19-year-old Argentine defensive sensation next year.