Brighton sign Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed versatile Argentina U-23 international Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors for a four-and-a-half-year contract, the south coast club announced on Saturday.

The 19-year-old started 18 Primera Division matches for Boca last year and appeared nine times in the Copa Libertadores, including the final.

"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," Brighton technical director David Weir said.

Barco is currently representing Argentina at the South American Olympic qualifiers in Venezuela, which will conclude on February 11.

Brighton are eighth in the Premier League with 31 points from 20 games and will host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

SportsLigue