Proposed Manchester City transfer thrown into chaos after late contract twist

Manchester City’s proposed move for Valentin Barco has been plunged into doubt amid talk of a new Boca Juniors contract for the left-back.

Manchester City were previously reported to have reached an agreement in principle to sign the 19-year-old, successfully fending off rife competition for the signature of the left-back, amid interest from the Premier League and Europe.

High-flying Brighton were preparing to rival Manchester City for the signing of the Boca Juniors star, as Etihad scouts planned to make the teenager the Sky Blues’ third major Argentinian signing, following the arrivals of Julian Alvarez and Maximo Perrone.

Alvarez, who helped Manchester City to the treble last season and is nominated for the Ballon d’Or award, moved to the Premier League for £14 million from River Plate in 2022.

Perrone has moved to City Football Group side Girona on a season-long loan after making two first-team Manchester City appearances upon signing a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium in January, from Velez Sarsfield.

Valentin Barco had looked set to leave the South American side following the conclusion of the the Copa Libertadores, with Boca scheduled to face Palmeiras in the semi-finals, across September and October.

Should the Buenos Aires side win the Copa Libertadores, then Barco could face Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup in December, with the potential for Pep Guardiola’s side to meet the winners of the Copa Libertadores in the final.

Barco could still move in January, despite Sport Witness relaying a report by TNT Sports, which claims that the left-back is preparing to sign a contract extension at Boca Juniors, with a fresh deal until 2028 on the table.

The new contract would reportedly see the 19-year-olds release clause double from $10 million to $20 million, potentially putting off suitors such as Manchester City.

Barco, who can operate across the left of the field, has made 19 appearances this season, including six showings in the Copa Libertadores.