Argentina’s brightest young footballers may think twice about moving to England after seeing members of their national team booed by Premier League supporters.
The reaction to Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England earlier this summer has continued into the domestic season, with Enzo Fernandez and Valentin Barco among those given hostile receptions.
According to the Daily Mail, recruitment experts in Argentina believe some emerging players could be advised to consider Spain, Portugal or Italy before making the move to the Premier League.
It is a potential concern for English clubs, which scout South America extensively in the hope of signing leading prospects before their value rises elsewhere in Europe.
Tomas Aranda, Leonel Flores and Tobias Andrada are among the outstanding youngsters in Argentina attracting attention.
There is no suggestion that any of the three has personally ruled out a move to England, but the reception awaiting them could become part of discussions with their families and advisers.
The unease stems from Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 win over England in July.
Argentina’s brightest young footballers may think twice about moving to England after seeing members of their national team booed by Premier League supporters
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The Three Lions led their World Cup semi-final before Fernandez equalised and Lautaro Martinez struck the winner, sending Argentina into the final.
Fernandez’s celebration angered England fans, while unused substitute Barco joined his team-mates’ celebrations.
Valentin Barco celebrated in front of the England bench after Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser | GETTY
Jude Bellingham slapped Barco on the back of the head after the final whistle amid tense scenes between the sides.
Another controversy followed when Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was seen with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, expressing Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
FIFA subsequently fined the Argentine Football Association over the banner and other incidents at the tournament.
The dispute added to the ill feeling surrounding a result that had already ended England’s hopes of reaching the final.
Argentina’s players held up a flag which read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ after beating England | REUTERS
Some of that anger has been directed at Argentina’s players on their return to club football.
Barco was loudly booed on his Chelsea debut, while Fernandez also faced a hostile reception before leaving Chelsea for Manchester City.
Established internationals may be better equipped to deal with that treatment.
For a teenager moving overseas for the first time, it could be an additional challenge alongside learning a new language, settling into a different culture and adjusting to the pace of the Premier League.
