Valentin Barco is a name doing the rounds at the Etihad Stadium right now amid talk that the Boca Juniors starlet will join Manchester City in January.
That is according to Martin Liberman – a respected South American journalist with over 800,000 followers on Twitter – who even claimed that the Citizens have sent him a fitness plan.
The Boca Juniors No.19 has made a name for himself as one of the best talents to emerge from South America, and shone once again in the Copa Libertadores Semi-Final against Palmeiras earlier on Friday.
In fact – according to Olé – Valentin Barco was so impressive, that fans actually booed Jorge Almiron for taking the Manchester City target off…
What’s the story?
Well, the 19-year-old is clearly a popular figure at La Bombonera.
Supporters jeered and whistled Almiron for withdrawing the teenage wonderkid in the 70th minute as Boca Juniors searched for a winner, with the first leg of the Semi-Final eventually finishing 0-0.
When asked why he decided to substitute Barco, the 52-year-old said: “He played very open on the left but also closed to get loose and at times almost played as a false hitch. He was active, and with desire.”
It was the aforementioned Olé who quoted Almiron on the matter, and the Argentinian news outlet also paid reference to Manchester City’s interest in the Argentina Under-20 international.
Valentin Barco bounces back amid Manchester City interest
Earlier this week, Juan Roman Riquelme – Vice President of Boca Juniors – spoke about Barco’s inconsistent form, with some under the impression that transfer speculation is playing on his mind.
The 45-year-old was quoted by Pagina12 as saying: “You have to be patient with Barco, he has a contract until December 2024. He had a very high moment and now he is alternating good games with bad games. It is logical at his age. He has to stabilise, it happens to everyone.”
Despite that, Barco bounced back tremendously amidst a fierce atmosphere against Palmeiras in what was a massive game for Boca Juniors, showcasing his strong mentality.
If Pep Guardiola was watching, we bet the Spaniard was impressed.
