Premier League giants Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Argentina midfielder Valentin Barco from French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, with all documents now signed and an official announcement expected imminently.
Slapped by Bellingham at the World Cup – now Barco is heading to Chelsea for $65m
Transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano has issued his trademark “Here we go” confirmation, declaring the 21-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge is 100 per cent complete.
🚨🔵 All documents are signed for ValentÃn Barco to join Chelsea from Strasbourg after the agreement done since May.
The Argentinian will soon be announced as new #CFC player and welcomed by Xabi Alonso.
Here we go, 100% confirmed. pic.twitter.com/N6B6pJyLwB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2026
The agreement between the two BlueCo-owned clubs was initially reached back in May, with reports suggesting a transfer fee of approximately $65million (£34m) has been mooted for the Argentine international.
Barco has called Strasbourg home since 2025, initially arriving on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion before making the move permanent.
Last season, he delivered an impressive campaign for the French side, scoring three goals and supplying nine assists in 43 appearances across all competitions as Strasbourg reached the UEFA Conference League final.
The versatile midfielder, who has operated primarily in central midfield over the past two seasons but previously featured at left-back for Boca Juniors and Brighton, is expected to sign a long-term contract with the London club.
Barco’s arrival comes with added intrigue following his involvement in a heated incident during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England.
After Argentina completed a dramatic stoppage-time comeback, Barco who was an unused substitute ran onto the pitch to celebrate in front of England players.
England star Jude Bellingham reacted by slapping the Argentine on the back of the head, sparking a confrontation between players from both sides.
Former England international Paul Robinson described the incident on BBC Radio 5 Live as “probably the worst example of sportsmanship we’ve seen at this World Cup”.
Chelsea and Strasbourg are closely linked through their shared ownership by the BlueCo consortium and its multi-club model.
The move represents another strategic transfer between the two sister clubs as new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso continues to reshape his squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
