Manchester City’s game against Liverpool wouldn’t have left Pep Guardiola impressed. Despite dominating the game, his team had to settle for a solitary point. Guardiola seems to have planned his next move because he is a perfectionist. A plan that involves a 19-year-old generational talent from Argentina. 

One of the biggest talking points from the recent match was the $99.2 million rated defender Josco Gvardiol on the bench. Although he’s a capable left-back, Pep opted for Nathan Ake in that role against Liverpool. The choice to play a center-back by trade in the left-back position does pose some questions. Perhaps Pep is not convinced by his options for that position.

Manchester City close to signing Argentine starlet rated highly by Pep Guardiola

As per reports, the Spanish manager wants Boca Juniors youngster Valentin Barco at the Etihad. The youngster had a stunning Copa Libertadores where he helped Bocca Juniors reach the finals. His performances have not gone unnoticed with many elite European clubs including Liverpool interested in him. However, Manchester City is close to agreeing a transfer with a base fee of $10 million plus extras, taking the total cost of the operation to $14 million. 

Barco started out as an orthodox left-back. However, his stunning technical abilities meant coach Jorge Almiron trialed him in an attacking midfield position. It’s safe to say that Bocca juniors have been reaping the rewards of this move. He has become the team’s creative hub through his close-control dribbling and crossing abilities. 

His game intelligence is a key reason for his versatility but Barco prefers one position over the other. He told TYCSports previously that despite his attacking talents, he loves to play at left-back since he has the whole pitch ahead of him. Judging by his qualities, Barco seems quite similar to a player Pep signed early in his career, who proved quite influential for him.

Read More: Altercation Ensues Between Darwin Nunez & Pep Guardiola As Liverpool Derail Manchester City’s Home Streak

Has Manchester City landed their own Joshua Kimmich?

Joshua Kimmich was one of Guardiola’s major signings at Bayern Munich. His ability to play both full-back and midfield roles was exemplary. Moreover, there were rumors of Kimmich joining Manchester City this summer. While the move did not come to fruition, it is evident that Manchester City want that player profile

Pep always loved hybrid players and could count on Zinchenko previously to play the full-back/midfield role. The Ukrainian star is now at Arsenal and playing brilliantly. Hence, it looks like the Spaniard wants a comfortable full-back in the midfield position. Perhaps, this could explain why Gvardiol is not preferred at Left-back. 

Will Manchester City sign Valentin Barco? Let us know in the comments below.

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