Brighton defender Valentin Barco has joined Sevilla on a season-long loan deal.
The Argentine left-back joined the south coast club from Boca Juniors in January and made seven appearances under Brighton’s former head coach Roberto De Zerbi last season.
The 20-year-old made three Premier League starts for the club, having played 35 matches for Boca and been capped twice by Argentina at senior level.
The Argentina international was an unused substitute during Brighton’s victory over Everton in his side’s Premier League opener on Saturday.
Jack Hinshelwood started at left-back after returning from three months out with a foot fracture.
Brighton also have left-back Pervis Estupinan to return to action, with the Ecuador international missing the start of the season due to an ankle injury.
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“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,” Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said.
“We wish him well and I look forward to seeing how he progresses during the season.”
Brighton’s technical director David Weir said: “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.”
Sevilla’s move for Barco comes after they agreed to sell his Argentina compatriot and fellow left-back Marcos Acuna to River Plate.
Brighton have been busy in the summer transfer market having signed Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda.
(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
