New left-back signing now unlikely, say Manchester City sources

Sources around Premier League champions Manchester City are now indicating that the potential arrival of Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors is unlikely.

Reports surrounding the future of the 19-year-old defender had been increasing over the last few months, with Manchester City widely viewed as being the club most likely to sign the player ahead of competition from throughout Europe.

The likes of Brighton & Hove Albion as well as Serie A giants Juventus had been credited with an interest, although all signs were pointing in the direction of Manchester City winning the race for the player.

Several reports went as far as to indicate the depth of details in negotiations, with claims of potential loan deals for Valentin Barco as well as dietary plans in preparation for his arrival at the Premier League champions.

However, such excitement around the player can now calm significantly, with reliable sources around the recently-crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions indicating that any such deal may not come to fruition.

According to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, while Manchester City have been linked with a January transfer window move for Boca Juniors’ highly-rated left-back talent Valentin Barco, sources at the club have now ‘played down’ the chances of signing him.

Previous reporting from Jack Gaughan on X also revealed that a deal to sign the 19-year-old defensive talent was ‘less likely’, amid increasing talk of a potential deal to sign River Plate’s attacking midfield prospect Claudio Echeverri.

The Argentina Under-17 captain at the recent FIFA World Cup has been on the radar of numerous clubs from throughout Europe, with Premier League rivals Chelsea among the sides retaining a level of interest despite progress from Manchester City.

Etihad Stadium bosses are said to be closing in on a deal structure for the player, which could see him remain with River Plate on loan until the end of a season, with a further loan agreement eyed to enable the attacking midfielder to settle into the European game.