The January window is wide open and often, the appointment of a new manager in the winter window leads to signings. That could happen with Liam Rosenior and Chelsea.
Rosenior’s first official day as Chelsea manager is Thursday, after Calum McFarlane explained why he had chosen not to take control of the side away at Fulham on Wednesday. But Rosenior was in the stands.
The former Hull City and Strasbourg manager will have been impressed by certain players. Liam Delap scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea, ahead of forming a reunion with his former Hull boss.
Chelsea’s stance on January transfers under Liam Rosenior is clear 🗣️
What signings do you want to see?
Chelsea's January transfer window stance
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But it was largely poor, and Rosenior will know a little bit more what his side requires in the transfer market if Chelsea are to save their season and qualify for the Champions League in the coming months.
What Alexis Mac Allister said about Valentin Barco in 2023
Rosenior is keen on raiding Strasbourg for Argentine midfielder Valentin Barco. The 21-year-old only joined Strasbourg on loan in January, before Todd Boehly coughed up £8.5m to sign him permanently.
Valentino Barco.
Photo by Frederic DIDES / AFP via Getty Images
He has been a revelation in midfield for Strasbourg, able to operate in many positions under Rosenior before the English gaffer’s exit. Now, Barco could join Chelsea and Alexis Mac Allister is a big fan.
Speaking to DSports Radio two years ago, Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister described Barco as a “great player” and believes the midfielder can fly the Argentina flag in European football throughout his career.
“I had the chance to watch him. I don’t reveal anything new when I say that he is a great player. Barco can represent us (Argentines) very well in Europe. May he continue in the same way. He has a lot of qualities.
“When it seems like the opposition are going to get the ball, they can’t. He has been doing very well. I see him as a very focused boy, beyond the fact that he brings some extra quality onto the pitch,” he added.
What does Liam Rosenior have to do to get the best out of Cole Palmer?
A very mixed performance against Fulham…
Cole Palmer’s Premier League stats this season:
11 appearances
3 goals
0 assists
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior signing contract and Cole Palmer during game
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Valentin Barco can be Reece James’ long-term replacement
When Barco initially came through, the red-headed ace was playing as a full-back. But his technical ability has seen Barco allowed to make the step up in midfield, and remains able to cover both positions.
Chelsea need midfielders with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez’s load increasing, while Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia remain injured. England’s Reece James struggles to complete 90 minutes, back-to-back.
If Chelsea can sign a midfielder capable of providing cover at full-back, but one a whole lot younger than James and still providing the creativity that James delivers, then it should be a no-brainer for Rosenior.
Indeed, Barco has laid on eight assists in his 38 Strasbourg appearances. All the signs suggest he would be a superb signing, especially under Rosenior again, at the same time that James is struggling to be fit.
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