Man City and Liverpool lose out! Boca Juniors wonderkid Valentin Barco completes stunning Brighton transfer

The promising under-23 international has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Brighton, lasting until June 2028, for a transfer fee of $10 million (£7.87 million). Barco is a versatile player known for his proficiency on the left side, excelling as a full-back, and a winger.

Brighton technical director David Weir said in a statement: "We have been aware of Valentin for a long time and have been impressed with the progress he has made at domestic and international level. We’re delighted to welcome him to the club, and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses and develops under Roberto.

“He has played predominantly on the left side, as a full-back, wing-back or winger, but also shown his versatility with Boca, playing across the midfield. He is an exciting prospect, but it’s also important we give him the time as he needs to settle and adapt to new surroundings and the Premier League.”

Barco is currently engaged in international duty at the Conmebol qualifiers for the Paris Olympic Games, and he is expected to join Brighton after the conclusion of the tournament in early February. Consequently, he might miss several league games, including clashes against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Luton, and Crystal Palace, as well as the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Sheffield United.

Barco made 35 appearances for Boca Juniors, he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the Copa Libertadores final last year. He has one goal and four assists with the senior team of Boca.

Barco became Brighton's first winter signing and it might just be the beginning as Roberto de Zerbi urged the team management for "three or four" signings in the current transfer window. The Sea Gulls return to action on Monday evening against Wolves at home in the Premier League.