Chelsea completed the signing of Argentina international Valentin Barco from RC Strasbourg on Sunday. The versatile midfielder agreed a seven-year contract that runs until 2033.
The Premier League club issued a statement confirming the move. “Chelsea FC is pleased to confirm the signing of Argentinian international Valentin Barco from RC Strasbourg,” the club said. “The versatile midfielder has signed a contract until 2033 and will join up with manager Xabi Alonso and his new team mates later in pre-season.”
Financial details of the transfer remained undisclosed.
Barco formed part of the Argentina squad that reached the World Cup final last month. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in that match. The 22-year-old earned five caps for his country and scored twice at senior international level.
Meanwhile, Barco contributed three goals and 11 assists across 58 appearances for Strasbourg in all competitions. He spent last season at the Ligue 1 club after the French side made his earlier loan from Brighton and Hove Albion permanent.
Barco began his career at Boca Juniors in Argentina. He then moved to Brighton and Hove Albion in 2024. After limited appearances in the Premier League, he later transferred permanently to Strasbourg.
Chelsea strengthened the squad ahead of the new season with several other arrivals. These included playmaker Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, Marco Palestra from Atalanta and striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton.
