Brighton & Hove Albion has signed 19-year-old left-back Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Barco, who made 35 appearances for Boca Juniors, played a key role in helping the team reach the Copa Libertadores final last season.
He is also an Argentina Under-23s international. The addition of Barco strengthens Brighton’s squad with a talented young player, adding to their contingent of South American players, including Pervis Estupinan from Ecuador and Joao Pedro from Brazil.
Brighton technical director David Weir said: “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.
“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].
“He has played predominantly on the left side, as a full-back, wing-back or winger but also shown his versatility with Boca, playing across the midfield.
“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.”
Valentin Barco is the first new addition to Brighton & Hove Albion’s squad in January. The left-back has joined the Seagulls from Boca Juniors on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
This signing reflects Brighton’s ongoing strategy of recruiting talent from South America.
The club has previously enjoyed success with players like Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, who were acquired from South American clubs and later sold for substantial profits.
Barco’s arrival adds depth to Brighton’s squad as they prepare for a busy period following the winter break, with upcoming league and cup fixtures.