Manchester City are said to be ‘confident’ of signing Valentin Barco, despite Brighton believing they can offer him the ‘best move’ ahead of January.
The scouting department of the Seagulls is among the best in the world. That is demonstrated by their ability to sell their greatest stars every transfer window while remaining competitive.Despite the departures of Ben White, Yves Bissouma, Marc Cucurella, and Leandro Trossard in recent years, Brighton finished tenth two seasons ago and sixth last season.
Despite losing Robert Sanchez, Alexis MacAllister, and Moises Caicedo this summer, they presently sit fifth in the league.
As a result, rival teams should keep a watch on the type of players they pursue. One of them is Boca Juniors teenager Barco, who Brighton was interested in earlier this summer.
Manchester City and Juventus were also interested, but the transaction got too difficult for any of them to complete.
Both are expected to return for the full-back, who has scored and assisted in the Copa Libertadores this season.
Man City is ‘confident’ of capturing Barco.
According to Football Insider, City are ‘confident’ that they will be able to reach an agreement with Boca for the full-back.
The report suggests that both the other clubs that were interested in him in the summer – Brighton and Juventus – will go back in, but City are not worried about either getting in their way.
One report has even suggested they’ve already agreed upon personal terms with Barco.
If that’s the case, they may already have the upper hand in the transfer battle ahead of the January window opening.
Brighton feel they can offer ‘best move’
However, Brighton’s fight will be a fierce one. The Sun reports the Seagulls ‘will make a new move’ for the Argentine ahead of the winter window.
Roberto de Zerbi is reportedly ‘optimistic’ that a deal can be struck with Boca.
That likely stems from the fact he believes his side can offer Barco the ‘best move at this point in his career’.
While the 19-year-old is unlikely to break into Man City’s first team, there is a much better possibility he will rise through the ranks at Brighton first.
Given that the Seagulls don’t have as many top alternatives in their lineup – while being clearly a decent side – Barco may receive more opportunities there.
They’may have to pay more for him than thought,’ according to reports, but after bringing in a lot of money in the summer, that shouldn’t be a significant problem.
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