With the many stories about Manchester City interest in Valentin Barco lately, Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme couldn’t avoid being asked about that rumour.
The Xeneize chief was this week interviewed by ESPN ahead of the Copa Libertadores semifinals, and in the interview, he was quizzed about the fullback’s future.
In quotes relayed by TNT Sports, Riquelme responded ‘forcefully’ to that question, and didn’t want to get into it.
“Barco has a contract until December 2024,” said Riquelme.
TNT highlights that Boca Juniors have actually been trying to renew Barco’s contract, but couldn’t find an agreement with his entourage so far.
Manchester City or any other interested club could theoretically sign the fullback for just US$10m which is the price for his release clause, and that’s why there’s such a hurry to change things.
Recent claims in the Argentine media said that Manchester City already have a deal for the player, and have even sent him a diet plan, so he can arrive in England stronger.
Since Boca Juniors are in a very important part of the season with the Copa Libertadores semi-final on the way, it can’t be ruled out they know more about a transfer than they’re letting on and want to keep things private for now.
