Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Chelsea have been the benefactors of a working relationship with Strasbourg since BlueCo took over the Ligue 1 club back in 2023.
Chelsea’s current first team manager, Liam Rosenior, impressed enough in France to earn him the job at Stamford Bridge, and players have also gone through the club before eventually landing in West London.
Andrey Santos starred on loan there, while the Blues currently have Mike Penders and Aaron Anselmino at the club. Mamadou Sarr has just been recalled from his loan move there.
Emanuel Emegha is set to join Chelsea at the end of the season, with them clearly not yet satisfied with the amount of players they have brought in from there.
RC Strasbourg Alsace v FC Lorient - Ligue 1 McDonald's 2025/2026
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Chelsea already see Valentin Barco as a future player for them
One of the most impressive players this season for them this season has been Valentin Barco, who is in the midst of a second chance in Europe after things didn’t work out for him at Brighton.
Journalist Simon Phillips has stated that the Argentine is firmly on the radar of the Blues, and has always been seen as a future player for them.
He said on his Substack: “We reported our interest in Barco a few weeks back. Chelsea’s interest in this guy came even before he went to Brighton, so having him at Strasbourg was the next best thing, but he’s always been seen as a future Chelsea player.
“Can play anywhere on the left as well as centre midfield so again, Chelsea like his versatility and ability to play inverted from a wide position if needed. 21-years-old.”
Chelsea v West Ham United - Premier League
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Rosenior already a massive fan of Barco
Rosenior has spent in time in charge of Barco when they were together at Strasbourg, promoting the youngster to one of the key players in the club.
Reports from January stated Rosenior was eyeing Barco now he was in charge of Chelsea.
The club have been aware of him since he was playing in Argentina, and the hope will be if he signs he will be far more ready for Premier League action than he was before.
It feels best to give him another season playing for the Ligue 1 side before making the move, however as shown with the likes of Diego Moreira they aren’t afraid to send players to Strasbourg if they don’t make it at Stamford Bridge.