The Argentine defender has been the subject of real speculation in recent months, with the Seagulls and league rivals Manchester City both being heavily linked with the youngster.
A meeting between Brighton and Barco’s side took place yesterday – and the player’s $10m release clause is now set to be activated by Roberto De Zerbi’s side who have enjoyed success in the South American market in recent years.
Moises Caicedo was a real asset for the south-coast side before being sold to Chelsea for a nine-figure fee during the previous window – and Brighton will be able to use some of that money to fund a switch for Barco.
An agreement for the 19-year-old is set to be finalised this week, with the documents needed to seal this transfer being prepared in the coming days.
Now set to beat Man City to his signature, Brighton have dealt another team a transfer blow on the left-back.
According to The Sun’s report back in November, City were planning to loan Barco to Leicester City if they managed to get a deal over the line for him.
The left-back department has been a problematic area for the Foxes during parts of this season, with Man City loanee Callum Doyle spending much of the season on the sidelines.
However, he is back in action now, although his ability to play in central defence could help to make room for another addition on the left-hand side.
Having already spent a decent amount on transfers in the summer, the Foxes may not do too much during this window, but they could have brought in Barco who may have made a good impact in the Midlands.
| Leicester City – 2023/24 Signings |
|
|
| Player Name |
Signed From |
Loan/Permanent |
| Harry Winks |
Tottenham |
Permanent |
| Tom Cannon |
Everton |
Permanent |
| Conor Coady |
Wolves |
Permanent |
| Stephy Mavididi |
Montpellier |
Permanent |
| Mads Hermansen |
Brondby IF |
Permanent |
| Yunus Akgun |
Galatasaray |
Loan |
| Cesare Casadei |
Chelsea |
Loan |
| Callum Doyle |
Man City |
Loan |
| Issahaku Fatawu |
Sporting CP |
Loan |
Leicester City should still keep tabs on Valentin Barco
Leicester need to keep tabs on Barco ahead of a potential loan move.
He isn’t guaranteed to win much game time at the Amex Stadium in the next 12-18 months – and that could give Leicester an opportunity to bring him in temporarily.
And the Foxes may need to address their left-back area at some point.
Doyle will return to Man City during the summer, so Barco could be a very good asset for them in the summer if he’s good enough to play at the top level.
Unfortunately for Leicester, they may not be able to secure a loan deal in the summer if they are promoted, because the Seagulls may be reluctant to loan out a player to a league rival.
This is why Maresca needs to have other players on his target list.
