Brighton complete signing of Argentine teenager Valentin Barco
Last updated on .From the section Brighton
Brighton have completed the signing of 19-year-old Argentine Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors.
The under-23 international arrives on a four-and-a-half-year contract until June 2028 for a fee of $10m (£7.87m).
Barco has played predominantly on the left side as a full-back, wing-back or winger, but also across midfield.
He made 35 first-team appearances for Boca after coming through the academy and helped them reach last year's Copa Libertadores final.
"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," said Brighton technical director David Weir.
"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.
"We're delighted to welcome him to the club, and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses and develops under Roberto [de Zerbi].
Barco is currently on international duty at the Conmebol qualifiers for this summer's Paris Olympic Games.
- Latest Brighton news, analysis and fan views
- Get Seagulls news notifications
- Listen to the latest Albion Unlimited podcast
- Full list of January's football transfers
- Our coverage of Brighton & Hove Albion is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment
- Everything Albion - go straight to all the best content