Albion will give Valentin Barco time to settle – after showing patience to pull off the deal.

The Argentinian teen has signed on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

He is away with his nation’s under-23s until next month.

Barco’s versatility is among the facets which really appealed to Albion.

But they expect him to require time to settle in his new surroundings.

Albion have shown patience with players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Facundo Buonanotte and Julio Enciso in the past.

Technical director David Weir stressed that approach will be important again.

Weir said: “We have been aware of Valentin for a long time and have been impressed with the progress he has made at domestic and international level.

“We’re delighted to welcome him to the club, and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses and develops under Roberto (De Zerbi).

“He has played predominantly on the left side, as a full-back, wing-back or winger, but also shown his versatility with Boca, playing across the midfield.

“He is an exciting prospect, but it’s also important we give him the time as he needs to settle and adapt to new surroundings and the Premier League.”

Albion are arguably in a better situation to bide their time with Barco than they were with Mac Allister four years ago, when they were perched perilously above the relegation zone.