Brighton may not get player until February should they seal signing – Called up for pre-Olympic tournament

Even if Brighton & Hove Albion complete the signing of Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors, it seems they may have to wait a little, until February, until they have him available for Roberto De Zerbi to use.

That’s today pointed out by outlet La Nacion, who shares the list of players who Javier Mascherano is taking to the pre-Olympic tournament.

Barco is among the players who are taking part in the competition, which kicks off on the 20th of January in Venezuela.

When naming the player, La Nacion show that he’s still a Boca Juniors player, but mentions that he has his ‘immediate future’ at Brighton.

It’s not yet clear when Mascherano will gather the squad for the trip to Venezuela. Considering that there are just 12 days left until the tournament, it sounds unlikely that Barco would complete the transfer to Brighton and have his debut for the club in that period.

It’s also interesting how La Nacion sounds certain that the youngster is making the move to the Seagulls, as they’re speaking about a Boca Juniors player, and wouldn’t jump the gun if they weren’t sure that the move is happening.