Barco Wants to Leave Spartak and Return to South America After One Year in Russia

Esequiel Barco, the Argentine midfielder who left River Plate just a year ago, is eager to return to South America. Since his transfer to Spartak Moscow in mid-2024 for $14 million, Barco has performed well on the field but now desires to be closer to his family and seek new footballing challenges.

The former Núñez player featured prominently in Russia, playing 36 games and contributing 14 goals and 9 assists. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine and significant cultural differences, both off and on the pitch, have influenced his wish to leave. At 26 years old, Barco is looking for an environment better suited to his personal and professional life.

According to information gathered by Bolavip, River currently has no plans to bring Barco back, although the club is searching for a player with similar traits to replace Franco Mastantuono. Given Spartak’s recent $14 million investment and Barco’s lucrative contract, a return this transfer window seems unlikely.

Barco’s journey at River began in 2022 with a quick loan from Atlanta United, which was later made permanent. Over two and a half years, he played 127 matches, scored 16 goals, provided 20 assists, and won several titles including the 2023 Liga Profesional, the 2023 Trofeo de Campeones, and the 2024 Supercopa Argentina. Despite the lucrative move to Russia, Barco’s focus now is on finding a more suitable and less complicated chapter closer to home.