“City will surely take him” — Manchester City legend heaps praise on club’s teenage transfer target

Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has showered praise on the club’s summer transfer target Valentín Barco.

The 19-year-old is a rising star at prestigious Argentinian club Boca Juniors, becoming a key cog in the side that finished runners up in the Copa Libertadores final last season. As a result, European clubs, including Manchester City, have begun lining up to sign the youngster.

In September it was reported that Manchester City had ‘agreed a deal in principle’ to sign Barco, with further negotiations between the clubs over a proposed transfer fee to come closer to the summer 2024 transfer window.

The left-back has received plenty of praise in South America for his mature performances at La Bombonera since breaking into the first team in 2021. But strong words from Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero may perhaps hold the most weight for the City faithful.

“(Barco is a) very good player,” Sergio Aguero said in a recent Twitch stream. “Is he going to last a little longer at Boca or not?

“I don’t think he’ll last long. He’s very good. City will surely take him.”

While City have precedent when it comes to wrapping up deals before transfer windows open, they could hit some roadblocks when it comes negotiating a fee with Boca Juniors.

In a recent report from the Manchester Evening News, it was revealed that City grew frustated trying to ‘hash out a deal’ with the Argentine club, and instead changed their strategy to direct contact with Barco himself.

The teenager is said to be of interest for a number of other clubs in Europe, including Juventus, and fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.

However, Barco is reportedly keen on snubbing any other offers in the hopes of joining Pep Guardiola’s side.