But the Reds are not the only club to have taken an interest in the Argentine defender. A battle for his signature looks likely
Barco has only just broken into Boca’s first-team, but some impressive performances have made plenty of observers sit up and take note. Touted as one of the best youngsters in Argentina, he is a left-back by trade but his versatility means he can also operate as a winger.
Forest, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all watched the 19-year-old in recent weeks, according to 90min. However, Brighton and Hove Albion are said to be leading the chase, having held talks with Barco’s representatives about a potential move next year.
Clubs across Europe have also been alerted to Barco’s potential, with Celtic, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Porto, Roma, Juventus, PSG and Monaco having checked on him. But it seems Boca haven’t given up hope of holding on to him, despite the player’s long list of admirers.
The youngster is currently under contract until December 2024, with reports suggesting he has a release clause of $10 million (about £8m). Boca want him to pen a new deal which would either increase the release clause or remove it entirely.
Barco has a contract with us,” board member Marcelo Delgado told D Sports Radio. “At the moment, we have not received any proposal for him. We are thinking about improving the contract for Valentin.”
Barco has already started 12 league games for his club. He has also represented his country at Under-15 and Under-20 level.
The Reds added 13 players during the summer, including bringing in left-back Nuno Tavares. Ola Aina has been starting regularly in that position, having arrived early in the window, although he is naturally right-footed. Harry Toffolo also remains on the books, while Omar Richards has gone on loan to Olympiacos as he continues to recover from injury.
