Young Argentine players are becoming increasingly reluctant to move to the Premier League after seeing established internationals targeted by supporters in England, according to the Daily Mail.
Enzo, Lisandro Martinez and Valentin Barco have all faced abuse from opposing fans during the opening weeks of the new season. The incidents have highlighted continuing tensions in the Premier League following Argentina’s controversial World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Premier League clubs regularly scout South America in search of emerging talent, aiming to sign the best players before rival European sides. The value of those footballers can rise significantly once they move to a European league.
Among the young players attracting interest from English clubs are Tomas Aranda, Lionel Flores and Tobias Andrada, three highly rated prospects from Argentina’s top division.
However, Mail Sport has been told by recruitment experts in Argentina that the current atmosphere in England could influence the advice given to leading young players. Rather than joining Premier League clubs, they may be encouraged to consider opportunities in Spain, Portugal or Italy.
The concern is that while experienced internationals such as Enzo and Lisandro Martinez may be able to cope with hostile attention, the same situation could place an additional burden on less established players. Those footballers would already be adapting to a new competition, culture and lifestyle.
Enzo was targeted after returning to the Premier League following his role in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory. He scored the equaliser against England and celebrated in a way that provoked opposing supporters.
At the time, he was playing for Chelsea before later joining Manchester City. His celebration added to the animosity surrounding the fixture and has continued to influence how some Argentine players are viewed by fans in England.
Valentin Barco was an unused substitute during the match, but celebrated Argentina’s goal enthusiastically. After the final whistle, Jude Bellingham tapped him on the back of the head.
Lisandro Martinez also became involved in a separate controversy after displaying a banner carrying the words “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” translated as “The Falkland Islands are Argentine”. FIFA subsequently fined the Argentine FA £237,000.
The incidents have contributed to a difficult backdrop for Argentine footballers considering a move to England, particularly those without the experience of playing at the highest international level. Recruitment specialists now fear the hostility could affect the choices made by some of Argentina’s most promising young talents.
