It has been reported that Manchester City are ‘confident’ that they will win the race to sign Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco in January.
This comes from journalist Graeme Bailey on 90 Min’s Talking Transfers podcast as the 19-year-old has been linked with a move to City for months.
However, it seems like Manchester City back themselves to seal a deal for Valentin Barco in January transfer window.
Journalist: Manchester City are ‘confident’ of signing Valentin Barco in January
Branded as a ‘super-talent’ by Scouted Notebook, it was claimed on Tuesday that the teenager was set to prepare for his exit from Boca Juniors after his side’s Copa Libertadores final against Fluminense on Saturday.
Now, Graeme Bailey has said that while Chelsea and Brighton are interested in signing Valentin Barco, Manchester City internally believe he will sign for them in January.
“But Chelsea are aware of him. Brighton tried to do a deal for him a few months ago, they tried to get in early and recognised how good he was. There have been a few teams on the continent as well”, he said.
He went to give an insight into the fee Manchester City must have to pay to sign Valentin Barco in January, saying, “Chelsea have come in, they are trying to do everything they can, he has a small release clause – only about £8 million. But it’s my understanding that some teams might pay slightly more than that. So, you may see a £10 or £12 million deal, in terms of Premier League, it’s no money at all.”
“We expect Barco to make a decision on his future after this weekend’s Copa Libertadores final. Boca are trying to tie him to a new deal. But when you have Man City, Chelsea – you wouldn’t rule out Brighton. But when you have City there, I think they probably need someone who can play there, and he’s special. He’s really good. So don’t be surprised if Barco is at City in January. They’re confident.”
Much like in the cases of Gabriel Jesus and Julian Alvarez, it seems like Manchester City may well be set to sign yet another South American wonderkid in January.
