The January transfer window has already opened, and as expected, it is in full flow. Clubs have already started to make moves, bringing in players to strengthen their team for the final push into the season. Valentín Barco is one such player who is going to a new club this winter.
Premier League clubs have already spent good money on many deals, with Tottenham already going for Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin. Brighton are also close to a deal now, with the club famous for bringing out many talented players in recent times.
Brighton triggers $10M release clause for Valentín Barco, confirming earlier reports
Brighton are going to Valentín Barco for their first transfer of the winter, showing their intent to improve. The player is a talented youngster from Argentina, where he played for giants Boca Juniors. Many clubs had high regard for the teenage sensation, with Manchester City and Chelsea showing particular interest in the player. He is a talented left back who also plays as a left winger or left midfielder. This shows his versatility and talent, which is why many clubs wanted him. Being only 19 as well, he is a player for the future.
Brighton has simply triggered the $10 million release clause in his contract there after convincing him of their project. Indeed, the club has established a good reputation recently, bringing in unknown players and elevating them. Recent examples are Alexis Mac Allister, who went to Liverpool and Moises Caicedo, who went to Chelsea. The release clause would have increased to $14 million if another week went by.
There were reports earlier that both City and Brighton were ready to pay out the release clause and were working on convincing the player. Both teams’ scouts have been following the versatile player for many months, who has 23 appearances to his name. It seems Barco chose Brighton, as he will be able to play more on the first team there rather than City, which is stacked with many star players.
Valentín Barco set to officially sign contract and complete the deal
Valentín Barco has also reportedly agreed to the contract with Brighton and will sign the contract soon, which will be a four-and-a-half-year deal with the option to extend for one more year. It is expected that he will sign the deal today after his medical tests are held in his native Argentina.
Barco is currently in the U-23 Argentine training camp as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament. Being a star player for them, he will complete training for them before he travels to Brighton to allow the club to present himself to the fans. It is still unknown when he could make his debut for them, with the decision up to manager Roberto De Zerbi. It is also important to note that the U-23 Argentine team has important games this month.
Brighton have a game against Wolverhampton Wolves on Tuesday in the Premier League, while Barco will prepare himself for the game against the Paraguay U-23 team on January 22.
