Barcelona B have sealed the signing of Boca Juniors defender Santiago Ramos Mingo, who will arrive immediately if possible or next summer if not.
The 1.80m left central defender has debuted for Boca Juniors’s first team but usually plays in the youth teams. He had not signed a professional contract with them.
Jose Mari Bakero, the Barca B sporting director, moved for the player personally, taking charge of all contact and negotiations.
The 18-year-old was included in Boca’s list for the Copa Libertadores.
Ramos Mingo has two brothers - Franco, 22, playing for Toronto FC, and Matias, 18, the goalkeeper for a Boca youth side.
Barcelona would like to bring him in now but may have to wait, as they try to keep their relationship with Boca good.