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- 57 minutes ago
Liam Rosenior's first Chelsea signing is 'nearly done'
Tom Weber
- Updated: 18 Mar 2026 13:24 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco is set to become the first signing of the Liam Rosenior era at Chelsea, more sources have confirmed.
The Argentine has been starring for BlueCo club Strasbourg since joining from Brighton on an initial loan in early 2025. Barco struggled in the Premier League, but he has developed into a magnificent player in France.
Originally a left-back, the 21-year-old was converted into a central midfielder by Rosenior during his time in Alsace. When he took the Chelsea job, Barco was one of the first names to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Current ETV
Valentín Barco
M, DM (C), D (L)
Strasbourg
Valentín Barco
M, DM (C), D (L)
Strasbourg
ETV Range
€20.9M - €25.5M
The speculation has only intensified since. Last week, renowned journalist Guillem Balague tweeted that Barco is "very close" to joining Chelsea, while reports elsewhere in Spain corroborated this.
Ekrem Konur has now also chimed in, stating that the deal is "nearly done." The shared ownership between Chelsea and Strasbourg naturally "makes the move smoother."
Barco could replace Fernandez
Chelsea's interest in Barco comes amid growing reports that compatriot Enzo Fernandez could be on his way out this summer. The World Cup winner is frustrated with the Blues' lack of competitiveness in major competitions like the Champions League and Premier League.
He offered a cryptic response when quizzed about his future after Chelsea were humiliated by PSG at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, and reports suggest that he is keen on a move to LaLiga, where Real Madrid have been heavily linked with him.
Barco, coming from their sister club, would be an affordable replacement, though it would be a move that would only increase the frustration of the Chelsea and Strasbourg supporters.
For the latter, the transfer would yet again be proof that they are a mere feeder club for the Premier League giants, while Chelsea fans would once more see an established player replaced with a youngster.
Data analytics firm SciSports believes that Barco has the potential to reach similar heights as Fernandez, but he is currently nowhere near his compatriot's level.
Like so many of their signings, he would be an investment for the future, rather than a player who could elevate them to the next level. If a deal is agreed, Barco will become the first recruit since the appointment of Rosenior.
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