Liverpool targeting 'the next Ashley Cole' to succeed Andrew Robertson in a huge statement move from Jurgen Klopp – with Manchester City and Juventus both interested in the wonderkid, too: report
Liverpool could beat European giants to a highly-rated wonderkid left-back, as Jurgen Klopp looks to the future of his side
(Image credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Liverpool are targeting a player compared to Ashley Cole – but they'll face stiff competition from Europe's elite.
The Reds have relied on Andrew Robertson since his move from Hull City in 2017, with the Scotland captain becoming one of the best left-backs in world football under the mentorship of Jurgen Klopp. Kostas Tsimikas has been a valuable understudy but never seemed likely to supplant Robertson as first-choice.
But with the Scot now 29, Klopp is looking forward to the future – and might be about to make a huge coup.
Andrew Robrtson has been a valuable servant of Liverpool for six years (Image credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Italian publication Calciomercato, via Sport Witness, are claiming that Argentine wonderkid Valentin Barco is on the radar of the Reds.
Barco is courting the finest in the world at current. Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Juventus are all said to be interested in the left-back, who bears a similarity to Ashley Cole in his game.
The teenager is extremely comfortable both going forward and backwards, earning plaudits for his intensity out of possession and maturity.
Valentin Barco is wanted by some of the biggest clubs on Earth (Image credit: Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
The Argentine's employers, Boca Juniors, may be tempted to sell soon, too: the defender is out of contract in December 2024.
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Barco is valued by Transfermarkt to be worth €10 million.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
