Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Valentin Barco, the Argentina international at the centre of a heated clash with Jude Bellingham at the World Cup, on a seven-year deal.
Barco, 22, who can play in midfield and at left-back, arrives from Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, which is also owned by BlueCo.
The Argentine made headlines last month after clashing with Bellingham following England's semi-final defeat to Argentina. He made just one substitute appearance at the tournament but infuriated England's players when he sprinted across the pitch as Enzo Fernandez scored a late equaliser, running in front of several England players and appearing to taunt them. John Stones reacted by shoving him.
Bellingham confrontation
Barco also came onto the pitch in the aftermath of Lautaro Martinez's winning goal for Argentina, and there were reports he had been winding up the England bench throughout the 90 minutes. After the final whistle, as Argentina's players celebrated, Bellingham slapped the back of Barco's head, sparking a scuffle on the pitch.
Because of his involvement at the World Cup, Barco will not join up with his new Chelsea team-mates until later in pre-season.
Route to Stamford Bridge
Barco began his career at Boca Juniors in Argentina, making his first-team debut at 16. He moved to Brighton in 2024 for £7.4million but struggled to establish himself on the south coast, spending loan spells at Sevilla and Strasbourg.
He joined Strasbourg permanently in July 2025 and was repeatedly linked with a move away after impressing in France, where his side qualified for Europe. Barco contributed 12 goals and assists last season, form that earned him a place in Argentina's World Cup squad, although he played just 19 minutes as they beat Jordan in the group stage.
Chelsea's summer business
Barco's arrival follows the departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, though Chelsea remain in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano over left wing-back Pep Chavarria after making an improved offer.
He becomes Chelsea's seventh signing of the summer, following Danny Welbeck, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra and former Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha. Barco is also the 13th player to move between Strasbourg and Chelsea since BlueCo took over the French club in 2023, a year after it purchased the Premier League side.
