Brighton now own 20% of the world's 25 most valuable footballers born in 2004, their scouting is unmatched

Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion currently own 20 per cent of the world's 25 most valuable footballers born in 2004 after Valentin Barco's move was confirmed.

The Seagulls have snapped up another highly-rated young talent in Barco, who has attracted interest from a number of top clubs, including Manchester City, following his breakthrough at Boca Juniors.

The 19-year-old full-back, who has made 23 appearances for the Buenos Aires-based club, is set to join Roberto De Zerbi's side for just £7.85 million.

Speaking to ESPN in South America this week, Barco confirmed the move, saying: "I'm already a Brighton player. It's a totally different kind of football than here. I'll have to adapt, I hope it's quick."

He added: "I didn't have the opportunity to speak with the coach. I did speak with Facu [Facundo Buonanotte] who is there.”

As mentioned by Barco, who has played as a full-back, wing-back and winger in recent months, the teenager will join fellow countryman Facundo Buonanotte at the Amex.

Both players, it must be said, are a fine example of Brighton's extensive scouting policy – a network that has previously brought in some of the biggest talent in world football, including Evan Ferguson.

In fact, Brighton currently have five players in the top 25 most valuable players born in 2004, according to figures from Transfermarkt, with Ferguson almost topping that list.

The Republic of Ireland forward features behind Barcelona midfielder Gavi in the overall standings with a current market value of €65 million [£55.7m], just three years after joining the club for €600k.

Julio Enciso, the Paraguay international who joined Brighton from Club Libertad last summer for a reported £9.5 million, also features on the list in 13th with a valuation of €22 million [£18.8m].

Carlos Baleba, the Cameroon-born midfielder brought in to replace Moises Caicedo, follows Enciso in 14th, with Transfermarkt handing the player a market value of €20 million [£17.1m].

And it doesn't take long to find the incoming Barco, who comes in at the 23rd most valuable player born in 2004 at €13 million [£11.1m] – a price that will likely soar in the coming months.

Finally, the last player to feature on the list is Facundo Buonanotte; the attacking midfielder that has made 17 appearances in all competitions for De Zerbi's side this season.

Buonanotte is placed joint 25th on the list with a market value of €12 million [£10.2m] but again, we can expect that valuation to increase as he continues to earn game time on the south coast.