Brighton beat Man City to Valentin Barco deal

Brighton and Hove Albion have beaten Manchester City to the signing of left-back Valentin Barco, as the highly-rated 19-year-old prospect has been offered regular first-team football on the South Coast. Barco had been one of Manchester City's primary January transfer window targets, but the Hove have snatched a deal for Barco from right under their Premier League rivals' noses.

Widely considered as one of the best young players in the world, Brighton have secured a move for Barco in a deal worth only $10 million, having matched the player's minimum fee release clause. At Boca Juniors, Barco has appeared 23 times in the top flight since making his debut in 2021, and Pep Guardiola is known to be a huge fan of the talented wide player. Versatile and comfortable playing in defence or in midfield, he will add a ton of options to Roberto De Zerbi's squad in this transfer window.

The player has already undergone a medical that has been passed, and now all that remains to be done is for the player to sign a contract. Brighton have already indicated that a long-term contract will be put to the player.