Valentín Barco has drawn interest from Bayern Munich, according to Argentine journalist Augusto César. The Argentine midfielder is currently playing for Racing Strasbourg and has been one of the team’s key contributors this season.

Barco played a central role on Sunday in Strasbourg’s 2-1 win over Metz in the regional derby. His performance in the match stood out and reinforced his current form in Ligue 1.

So far this season, the former Boca Juniors man leads all Argentine players in assists across Europe’s five major leagues, with a total of eight. The number places him as the most productive Argentine creator in those competitions during the current campaign.

In recent weeks, Barco has been used mainly as a central midfielder. The role has increased his involvement in ball circulation and build-up play, while he has continued to contribute with assists in the final third.

With only a few months remaining before the World Cup, one of the main questions will be whether Lionel Scaloni decides to include Barco in the 26-man squad for the Argentina national team.

Santino Andino has officially been unveiled as a new signing for Panathinaikos, bringing an end to a long transfer saga that also involved interest from Argentina. The Greek club confirmed the deal on Friday, announcing the arrival of the 20-year-old forward from Godoy Cruz in a transfer valued at €10.2 million for 75% of his rights, the highest sale in the club’s history.

Panathinaikos revealed Andino through a video shared on social media under the phrase “Storm alert,” using references to Argentine culture such as mate, empanadas, and Buenos Aires landmarks. Shortly after, Godoy Cruz published a farewell message for the academy product, highlighting his development, commitment, and impact at the club before his move to Europe.

Andino’s transfer comes after a difficult 2025 season for Godoy Cruz, which ended in relegation to the Primera Nacional. Despite the team’s struggles, the winger emerged as one of its standout performers, quickly earning a starting role and becoming an important attacking option in both domestic competition and the Copa Sudamericana. Godoy Cruz were eliminated in the round of 16 of the continental tournament, but Andino’s performances drew consistent attention.

At international level, Andino was also part of Argentina’s squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Chile in September and October. Argentina finished as runners-up after losing the final to Morocco, and Andino logged significant minutes throughout the tournament. One of his most memorable moments came in the group stage against Australia, where he scored in a 4-1 win that secured qualification to the knockout rounds.

Across all competitions with Godoy Cruz, Andino made 44 appearances, including 36 in the domestic league and eight in the Copa Sudamericana, scoring nine goals. He accumulated over 2,000 minutes of playing time and started more than 25 matches, numbers that reinforced his status as one of the most promising young attackers in Argentine football.

Following Godoy Cruz’s relegation, several clubs showed interest in Andino. Boca Juniors were linked mainly through informal inquiries, while River Plate made concrete attempts to sign him. Negotiations with River, however, failed to progress due to financial conditions set by Godoy Cruz. The talks ended when Panathinaikos agreed to meet the €10.2 million valuation.

The transfer surpasses Godoy Cruz’s previous record sale, set in 2022 with the move of Ezequiel Bullaude to Feyenoord for a fee close to €7 million. For Andino, the deal marks his first experience in European football.

In Greece, the Argentine forward will be coached by Rafa Benítez, a manager with extensive experience at top clubs such as Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Claudio Echeverri has joined Girona on loan from Manchester City.

Echeverri joins Girona until the end of the season as both clubs announced the deal. The Argentine was part of the Manchester City team last season, having taken part in the Club World Cup.

He joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan at the start of the season but only took part in six league matches. He now joins Girona on a loan until June.