Brighton unearth latest South American starlet as Barco signs

Brighton have signed 19-year-old left-back Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Barco made 35 appearances for his boyhood club, helping the Buenos Aires giants reach last season's Copa Libertadores final, and is an Argentina Under-23s international.

He joins a host of South Americans in the Seagulls' squad, including Ecuadorian Pervis Estupinan and top scoring Brazilian Joao Pedro.

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."

Barco is the first new addition to Roberto De Zerbi's ranks this month, as the Italian aims to shape his squad for a busy return from their winter break.

The Seagulls host Wolves on Monday night before a trip to Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round.

They will resume Europa League action in March when they enter at the last-16 stage having won Group B before Christmas.

Amex chiefs have enjoyed rich success in recruiting from South America in recent years, with Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister purchased from Argentinos Juniors before being sold for a substantial profit to Liverpool.

Similarly, Moises Caicedo was picked up from boyhood club Independiente del Valle in 2021 and then offloaded for £100million to Chelsea two years later.