Chelsea sign Argentina international Valentín Barco from Strasbourg
Chelsea have signed Argentina international Valentín Barco from Strasbourg on a seven-year deal, marking the eighth signing of new manager Xabi Alonso's tenure as he reshapes the squad. The 22-year-old, primarily a left-back who can also operate in central midfield, previously had a brief spell at Brighton and was part of the Argentina squad that finished as World Cup runners-up.
Barco made seven appearances for Brighton, including six in the Premier League during the 2023-24 season, before moving to Strasbourg initially on loan in 2025 and later signing permanently, making 54 appearances in total for the Ligue 1 club and helping them qualify for the Conference League. He won his fifth Argentina cap in a 3-1 group-stage win over Jordan at the World Cup and was involved in a heated altercation with England's Jude Bellingham after Argentina's semi-final win. He is expected to join Chelsea's squad on their upcoming tour of Australia and Hong Kong, following other summer arrivals including Danny Welbeck, Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers.
- Chelsea sign Argentina's Valentín Barco from Strasbourg on a seven-year deal
- Eighth signing of Xabi Alonso's rebuilding summer at Chelsea
- Barco previously had brief Brighton spell, reached World Cup final with Argentina
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Chelsea are based in west London and play in the Premier League, England’s top division. Strasbourg play in France’s Ligue 1. The clubs share ownership, which has helped shape links between their squads.
Valentín Barco is an Argentina international who can play at left-back or in central midfield. He made a small number of appearances for Brighton before joining Strasbourg, where he played regularly and helped the team qualify for a European competition.
Chelsea are rebuilding their squad under manager Xabi Alonso, with several new players arriving. Barco’s versatility gives the club another option in defence and midfield, while his move links a young Argentina international with a club competing at the top level of English football.