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Brighton Cut Ties with Valentin Barco as Strasbourg Make Loan Move Permanent
Valentin Barco has officially sealed a permanent transfer to Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg, marking the end of a short-lived and somewhat turbulent spell at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Argentine defender, just 20 years old, leaves the club after making only seven appearances. His time on the south coast never quite matched the initial excitement that surrounded his £8 million move from Boca Juniors, where Brighton reportedly beat Manchester City to his signature.
Barco had shown early promise but struggled to displace first-choice left-back Pervis Estupiñán. Frustrated with a limited role, he was loaned to Sevilla, though that stint quickly unravelled as he made only seven appearances, prompting the Spanish club to terminate the deal prematurely.
Brighton moved quickly to arrange a January loan to Strasbourg, which included an obligation to buy. Under the guidance of former Brighton player and coach Liam Rosenior, Barco found more stability and made 15 appearances, playing a key role in the French club’s successful push for Europa Conference League qualification.
Technical director David Weir commented on the transfer, saying, “This is a move that suits all parties, and we wish Valentin the best of luck for the future.”
While Brighton have seen considerable success developing South American talent such as Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo not every prospect fits the mould. Barco’s exit reflects a mutual recognition that a clean break was needed. However, it does leave Brighton light on depth at left-back, particularly with growing speculation surrounding Estupiñán’s future.
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