Chelsea have officially signed Argentina international Valentin Barco from Strasbourg, with the midfielder agreeing a contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
The Premier League club confirmed the transfer on Sunday, announcing the arrival of the 21-year-old during the current summer transfer window.
“Chelsea Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of Argentina international Valentin Barco from Strasbourg,” the club said in a statement.
Chelsea added that the versatile midfielder had signed a long-term deal and would join head coach Xabi Alonso and his new team-mates later in pre-season.
Barco began his career at Boca Juniors, progressing through the Argentine club’s academy before making his professional debut at the age of 16. During his time with Boca Juniors, he won several honours before moving to England in 2024 to join Brighton & Hove Albion.
His time on the Sussex coast included loan spells with Sevilla and Strasbourg. Barco then completed a permanent move to Strasbourg after the 2024-25 season, a campaign in which he produced an impressive run of form and helped the club secure participation in European competitions.
The midfielder contributed to 12 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions last season. His performances for Strasbourg also earned him a place in Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Barco currently has five international caps for Argentina.
His move to Chelsea represents the latest stage of a career that began in Boca Juniors’ youth system and has already taken him from South America to Brighton, Sevilla and Strasbourg. Chelsea’s announcement means he is now set to continue that progression under Alonso, although he will only link up with the squad later in the club’s pre-season preparations.
“Welcome to Chelsea, Valentin. We look forward to you joining the team soon,” the club said.
