Brighton and Hove Albion have made an official offer to Boca Juniors for Valentín Barco worth $10m, the value of his release clause.
That’s according to journalist César Luis Merlo, and TyC Sports, who say Brighton would also be willing to let Boca retain 10% of the profit from a future sale.
The Seagulls have been chasing Barco since the summer, when they made an initial effort for him but couldn’t get a deal over the line.
They’ve been tracking him ever since, with consistent reports from Argentina making it clear that Brighton still wanted to sign the player and were working towards winning the race for him as Manchester City are also in the picture.
Merlo now says that offer has been made, with the bid worth $10m, meeting his release clause, and leaving 10% of the player’s rights with the Argentine side.
TyC Sports back that up, stating that Brighton have put $10m ‘on the table’ for the defender and matching his release clause.
It’s not clear if Brighton’s offer is $10m all up front, this activating his clause, or equals $10m in total. Given they’re offering 10% of his rights, it seems unlikely they’ve activated his clause.
A bid is in nonetheless and the race for Barco’s signature is back on, with Brighton out in front once again.
