Championship league leaders Leicester City could benefit from Manchester City signing one of the best young talents in South America in January, according to reports.
The Sun are claiming that the treble-winners are locked in a tight race with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Boca Juniors fullback Valentin Barco ahead of the winter window and are set to come out on top.
Furthermore, The Sun have added that City will sign the player for an initial £10 million fee which is expected to rise to £13 million in total.
However, the outlet are also reporting that Man City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to send the 19-year-old out on loan in England and will allow Leicester to take the player on a temporary basis.
The Foxes’ head coach Enzo Maresca worked under Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium with the former being his assistant coach during a fruitful period for the club. Leicester City play a similar brand of football too, which would allow Barco to adapt to English football in a possession-based system.
James Justin has been Maresca’s first-choice at left-back this term ever since the departure of Timothy Castagne during the summer but Barco is more of a high-flying wingback, meaning Maresca may have to change his tactics slightly should the Argentine move to the King Power Stadium.
Nevertheless, during Boca Juniors’ recent extra-time defeat to Fluminense in the Copa Libertadores final, Barco featured as a left-winger as Frank Fabra was handed the reins on the left side of the back four.
It was reported during the summer that Italian giants Juventus were also interested in signing the teenage sensation, although it seems as though Man City will be the youngster’s next destination.
Writer’s View
This would make sense from Man City. Leicester City play a similar brand of football to the Premier League champions and would allow Barco to adapt to that style as well as to English football as a whole under a coach that Pep trusts.
The deal would also add further quality and depth to Maresca’s side who are cruising at the top of the Championship and look primed for a return to the top-flight next season.
