Sevilla have announced the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Valentin Barco on a season-long loan deal.
The 20-year-old's will spend the 2024-25 campaign with the La Liga outfit, who do not have an option to sign the Argentine on a permanent deal next summer.
Barco joined Brighton in January for around ยฃ7.9m from Boca Juniors, having made 35 first-team appearances for the Argentinian club.
The youngster was handed his Premier League debut against Liverpool in March and went on to make seven senior appearances across all competitions in the second half of the 2023-24 season.
Following an impressive pre-season, many Brighton supporters expected Barco to begin the new campaign at left-back due to the absence of injured defender Pervis Estupinan.
However, Barco watched on as an unused substitute as Brighton cruised to a 3-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League last weekend, with versatile midfielder Jack Hinshelwood preferred to start at left-back by new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
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Sevilla a "fantastic club" for Barco to develop
The decision has since been made to send Barco out on loan to Sevilla, where he can gain valuable first-team experience.
"Valentin made good progress with us last season and this is a great opportunity for him to go and get experience and minutes with one of the top clubs in Spain in a very competitive environment," Hurzeler told Brighton's official website.
"We wish him well and I look forward to seeing how he progresses during the season."
Technical director David Weir added: "Sevilla is a fantastic club for Valentin to go and further his development.
"He made a great impression last season in the Premier League and La Liga is another top league where he can continue to learn.
"Our pathway development manager, Gordon Greer will closely follow his progress throughout the season."
Barco becomes Sevilla's eighth signing of the summer transfer window under head coach Garcia Pimienta and joins the Spanish club following the departure of compatriot Marcos Acuna to River Plate.
Meanwhile, Brighton have reportedly agreed a ยฃ25.4m deal to sign Fenerbahce left-back Ferdi Kadioglu, who is due to undergo medical tests this weekend.
Oliver Thomas
