Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants to bring Boca Juniors talent Valentin Barco to the Etihad. Manchester City leaders are ready to jump into the race for the Argentinian's card, while Brighton are also interested in bringing the player to the Premier League.
However, it seems that Guardiola has prepared the plan for the integration of the footballer in the English championship. The Spanish technician is confident that the "citizens" can secure the signature of Barco, but the player will again need time to adapt to the football on the island. For this reason, it is thought that Guardiola will immediately loan the player to Leicester, after signing the contract with City. The "Foxes" play in the second English division, and this is the best opportunity for Valentin Barco to get used to a new style of play.
Leicester City's manager is Enzo Maresca, an assistant who worked under Pep Guardiola. This makes the plan of the Spanish technician even easier and feasible. Barco's transfer could happen as early as the January transfer window, but the plan will be the same even if his approach to the Etihad is postponed until next season. Meanwhile, in terms of the cost of the transfer, Barco's card is thought to be worth 10 million pounds. But counting some extra costs, the full value of the operation could go up to 13 million pounds.
The Argentine caught the eye during this season's Copa Libertadores, despite his team ultimately being beaten in the final by Brazilian side Fluminense after extra time. Brighton were the first team to make an official offer for the talent, but it seems that the chances of Barco ending up at the "Seagulls" are now quite small, seeing the determination of the reigning champions of England to bring him to the Etihad.