Barco, who was involved in a viral heated exchange with Jude Bellingham after the World Cup semi-final, has moved to Stamford Bridge on a seven-year deal
Bookmark popover
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Chelsea have signed Argentina international Valentin Barco from sister club Strasbourg on a seven-year deal.
The 22-year-old, who played seven times for Brighton including six Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 season, becomes the seventh arrival of new manager Xabi Alonso’s reign.
A versatile player who can be used in central midfield as well as his regular position of left-back, Barco was in the Argentina squad that finished as runners-up at the World Cup, winning his fifth cap in the 3-1 group-stage win over Jordan.
He moved to Strasbourg initially on loan from Brighton in 2024 but signed permanently a year later having helped the club to qualify for the Conference League.
In all he made 53 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.
He was involved in a heated exchange with England’s Jude Bellingham immediately after his side’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final win in Atlanta, with Bellingham appearing to clip Barco around the head. An unused substitute, the Argentinian had earlier run onto the pitch to celebrate after Enzo Fernandez had equalised.
Valentin Barco (right) was involved in a viral heated exchange with Jude Bellingham after the World Cup semi-final
Valentin Barco (right) was involved in a viral heated exchange with Jude Bellingham after the World Cup semi-final
He is expected to join up shortly with his new team-mates on their tour of Australia and Hong Kong.
It continues a busy summer in the transfer market for Chelsea as they look to remodel under Alonso.
On Saturday they confirmed the signing of veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton, following the signings of Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda have also been signed.