Chelsea have finally announced the signing of Valentín Barco from RC Strasbourg today, with the now 22-year-old (as of last week) midfielder making the jump from our BlueCo sister club and signing a seven-year deal good through 2033.
The deal was first reported done way back in April, but it’s taken nearly four months to actually announce it officially.
Barco’s path to Chelsea from Boca Juniors is isn’t exactly unique, with Brighton & Hove Albion bringing him over in 2023 for around €10m, then loaning him out to Sevilla and then Strasbourg the following season. BlueCo would acquire him permanently for RCSA last summer in a deal worth less than £8m. Now, we’re valuing this deal at a reported £34m. RCSA’s books ain’t gonna balance themselves!
In fairness, Barco had developed into a key player for Strasbourg over the past 18 months, earning himself five Argentina caps in the process as well. He was with them at the World Cup, though played only once and was largely remembered for his overexuberant celebrations against England that earned him a clout in the ear from Jude Bellingham after the game like he was Egg to his Dunc.
Nominally a central midfielder, Barco has played plenty of times out on the left flank as well, in positions of various advancement from left back to left winger. Depending on how our midfield mix shakes out (i.e. what happens with Enzo Fernández) and whether the Pep Chavarría deal can be agreed, that versatility could be quite useful.
In any case, welcome, Valentín! Let’s win some things!
