Release clause, Brighton and RB Leipzig competition, potential arrival date – Valentin Barco to Manchester City: What we know so far

Manchester City are seeking to win the race to sign Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco, with negotiations underway between the two clubs.

The City Football Group, who own Manchester City and 12 further clubs across the world, are looking at bringing another highly-rated South American star to the Premier League, almost two years after signing Julian Alvarez from River Plate.

Alvarez helped Argentina to FIFA World Cup success last year, and the 23-year-old has also won four trophies with Manchester City, including the Premier League title and UEFA Champions League.

The striker cost £14 million, and Manchester City are now weighing up a move for another highly-rated Argentine prodigy, teenager Valentin Barco.

The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances for Boca Juniors so far this season and is the latest South American star to be on the radar of Premier League side Brighton – who’s scouting network have developed an impressive reputation.

Barco, who plays at left-back, has an £8 million release clause, which Manchester City could look to trigger before the end of the summer transfer on September 1st.

Julio Pavoni reports that the treble-winners are currently the ‘strongest club’ in the race for the signature of the teenager, with negotiations over a $14 million deal currently taking place, according to Leandro Aguilera.

Reports from South America further claim that Manchester City are prepared to allow the left-back to stay in Argentina until December, following the conclusion of the Copa Libertadores, with Boca having recently qualified for the quarter-finals.

The Daily Mail’s Jack Gaughan reports that Brighton had been in ‘pole position’ to sign the teenager, with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig also mooted.

Manchester City are interested in signing Barco, however it is currently ‘unclear’ whether the left-back is viewed as a player who can immediately be integrated into the first-team squad or will settle elsewhere.

The Blues’ first interest in Barco was reported in March, however the left-back has been on the radar of City Football Group officials since 2022.

Nathan Ake predominantly played at left-back for Guardiola’s side last season; with left-sided centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who can also play in that position, completing a £77.6 million move to the Etihad Stadium earlier this month.

Sergio Gomez signed a four-year contract last summer, and despite playing at left-back, is claimed to prefer playing in a more advanced role.

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