Sources: Brighton complete £7.8 million deal to sign Argentinian starlet

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC Football understands that Brighton have completed the signing of Argentine starlet Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors.

Earlier this month, HITC Football revealed Brighton & Hove Albion’s move for the Argentine left-back and now sources have confirmed that the deal is now complete.

This signing is the latest show of faith in Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi who continues to do an outstanding job with the Seagulls as the South Coast side hopes to secure a European spot again.

Pervis Estupinan has had injury problems for Brighton this season and the signing of Valentin Barco could well be brilliant depth in that position as they prepare for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Barco deal

Brighton paid the $10 million (£7.8 million) release clause earlier this week and Barco underwent a medical in Argentina, as he is due to link-up with their Under-23 squad for a pre-Olympic tournament in Venezuela – which also means he is not due in England until early February.

Manchester City and Chelsea did show an interest in the Argentine left-back before De Zerbi’s men swooped in with the left-back set to sign a five-year contract, sources have told HITC Football.

Around the time of the Copa Libertadores final, it looked like he was heading to either City or Chelsea, but Brighton stood firm – they were the first team to contact Barco in early 2023.

Barco is seen as one of the stars of the future and Brighton, who have a good history of selling young talent for extraordinary profits, could now well be on the verge of pulling off another great deal.

As well as this, despite Barco being just 19 years of age, Brighton sources have confirmed that they have no plans to loan out the left-back, so a spot in the first-team may well be up for grabs.

Who is Barco

Interestingly, Barco can also play as a left-winger or even in the centre of the park, so this versatility will be something that De Zerbi, who has played Solly March as a wing-back, may well love.

He has played 20 games in the Primera Division, which is the top league in Argentine football, and has contributed 1 goal and 3 assists during this campaign.

He has featured for Argentina’s Under-23s as mentioned and it seems only a matter of time before he is called up to the senior squad if he carries on his exciting progression once he makes his debut for Brighton.