Barco joins Chelsea rebuild from Strasbourg

Valentin Barco became Chelsea’s seventh signing of the transfer window on Sunday after joining from sister club Strasbourg on a seven-year deal.

Barco is the second player to join the Blues from the Ligue 1 club this window after Emmanuel Emegha and it is the 13th deal between the two clubs, who share an ownership group, since the start of last season.

The 22-year-old was part of the Argentina squad that reached the World Cup final and was involved in an angry exchange with Jude Bellingham for his exuberant celebrations in front of England players during the semi-final.

Capable of operating at both left-back and in midfield, Barco had a brief spell in the Premier League previously with Brighton three seasons ago.

He moved to Strasbourg initially on loan from the Seagulls in 2024, but signed permanently a year later having helped the club to qualify for the Conference League.

Barco’s arrival continues a busy summer in the transfer market for Chelsea as they look to remodel under new boss Xabi Alonso.

On Saturday the Blues confirmed the signing of veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton, following the arrivals of Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

Marco Palestra, Emegha and Geovany Quenda have also been signed.

AFP

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