Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of Argentine teenager Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors.
The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract until June 2028 and becomes Roberto De Zerbi's first signing of the January transfer window.
Brighton have allegedly triggered the $10m (£7.9m) release clause in Barco's deal and are understood to have fended off competition from a number of top Premier League clubs to win the race for his signature.
Barco revealed earlier this week that he was grateful for his time at Boca Juniors, but he found it difficult to turn down a switch to Brighton where he can fulfil his "dream" of playing in Europe.
Born in Buenos Aires, Barco came through the Boca Juniors academy and made his senior debut for the Argentine giants in 2021.
The skilful, versatile left-flanker, who can operate as either a left-back or left-winger, has since developed into one of the brightest prospects in Argentina and departs Boca Juniors having made a total of 35 first-team appearances.
Introducing our latest @FootballManager wonderkid... 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/Udg1iwefxO
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 20, 2024
Barco was part of the Boca Juniors squad that progressed to the Copa Libertadores final in November last year, eventually suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Fluminense in extra time.
The teenager is the latest South American export to join Brighton, following in the footsteps of former stars Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, as well as current first-team players including Argentine Facundo Buonanotte.
Speaking to Brighton's official website following confirmation of Barco's arrival, technical director David Weir said: "We have been aware of Valentin for a long time and have been impressed with the progress he has made at domestic and international level.
"We're delighted to welcome him to the club, and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses and develops under Roberto.
"He has played predominantly on the left side, as a full-back, wing-back or winger, but also shown his versatility with Boca, playing across the midfield.
"He is an exciting prospect, but it's also important we give him the time as he needs to settle and adapt to new surroundings and the Premier League."
Brighton fans will have to wait a little while before they can see Barco make his debut, as the youngster is currently away with Argentina Under-23s at the CONMEBOL qualifiers ahead of this summer's Paris Olympic Games.
Oliver Thomas
