Manchester City prepared to loan out $10 million left-back in major transfer u-turn

Manchester City would consider sending Valentin Barco out on loan, should the Premier League club successfully sign the left-back from Boca Juniors.

The treble-winners look set to return to the South American market in search of additions for Pep Guardiola’s squad, with Manchester City bidding to win the race to sign Boca Juniors star Valentin Barco, amid rivalled interest from Brighton and RB Leipzig.

Barco could move to the Etihad Stadium in January, following the conclusion of the season in Argentina, in a deal similar to the transfer agreed between Manchester City and River Plate for Julian Alvarez in 2022.

Alvarez, who helped Argentina to FIFA World Cup success last winter, has won four trophies with Manchester City, including the Premier League title and UEFA Champions League, since moving to England.

Manchester City agreed a £14 million deal during the January transfer window for Alvarez, and could look to do the same with Barco, who currently has $10 million release clause at Boca Juniors.

The 19-year-old is yet to agree a new contract which would increase the value of the release clause, despite continued efforts by the Argentinian club.

Should Manchester City trigger the release clause of the full-back, then supporters may have to wait to see the teenager, as Sport Witness relay a report from journalist Hugo Balassone, who claims that the club intend to send the player out on loan.

The City Football Group, who own Manchester City, have 12 further clubs, which could provide a series of options for Barco, should Etihad chiefs choose to send the player out on loan.

However, Sport Witness claim that Manchester City are interested in sending the player to the EFL Championship, in an attempt to help the 19-year-old adapt to football in England.

Manchester City have a number of players on loan in the Sky Bet Championship, and a close link with Leicester City, after the Midlands club appointed Enzo Maresca as manager during the summer.

Southampton also have strong ties with the Sky Blues, meanwhile Liam Delap is at Hull City on a season-long loan.