According to reports, Leicester City could benefit from Manchester City signing one of the best young talents in South America in January.
According to the Sun, the treble winners are in a race with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Boca Juniors fullback Valentin Barco ahead of the winter window, and they are set to win.
According to The Sun, City will sign the player for an initial fee of £10 million, which is expected to rise to £13 million in total.
However, the outlet claims that Man City manager Pep Guardiola wants to send the 19-year-old out on loan in England and will allow Leicester to take him on a temporary basis.
Enzo Maresca, the Foxes’ head coach, worked under Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium as his assistant coach during a fruitful period for the club. Leicester City also plays a similar style of football, allowing Barco to adapt to English football in a possession-based system.
Since the departure of Timothy Castagne in the summer, James Justin has been Maresca’s first-choice left-back this season, but Barco is more of a high-flying wingback, so Maresca may have to change his tactics slightly if the Argentine moves to the King Power Stadium.
Nonetheless, in Boca Juniors’ recent Copa Libertadores final extra-time loss to Fluminense, Barco played as a left winger while Frank Fabra took over on the left side of the back four.
During the summer, it was reported that Italian giants Juventus were also interested in signing the teenage sensation, but it now appears that Man City will be the youngster’s next destination.
Author’s Opinion
This makes sense for Manchester City. Leicester City play a similar style of football to the Premier League champions and would allow Barco to adapt to that style as well as English football in general under a coach in whom Pep has faith.
The deal would also add quality and depth to Maresca’s squad, which is currently cruising at the top of the Championship and looks set to return to the top flight next season.
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