Valentin Barco announces Strasbourg exit, should join Chelsea on six-year deal | OneFootball

Valentin Barco confirmed on Instagram that he is leaving Strasbourg. The Argentina international should sign for Chelsea on a six-year deal.

His farewell began in Sunday’s 5-4 finale against Monaco, when he applauded the Meinau after being substituted. He later celebrated with supporters and posted a long message in Spanish on Monday.

He wrote that he arrived full of hope, cherished his daughter’s birth, would support the club from afar and hoped to return with his family, signing off with Merci Strasbourg.

Barco’s Strasbourg story began with a loan from Brighton in January 2025. Once highly rated but stalled at Brighton and Sevilla, he reignited his career by embracing the BlueCo project he had earlier declined.

Liam Rosenior turned the former left-back into a key midfielder. Strasbourg activated their option last summer, he impressed, made the UNFP young player shortlist of five and returned to Argentina, ending on 58 matches as form dipped.

An ankle sprain in the Conference League quarter-final second leg against Mainz, a 4-0 win, was followed by a rushed return for the semi-final against Rayo Vallecano, a 0-1 loss, and he lacked rhythm.

The move has been in the works for weeks. Signed from Brighton for 10 million euros and under contract to 2029, he is expected to fetch at least double this summer, talks with Chelsea are constant, and Liam Rosenior’s exit and Xabi Alonso’s arrival have not altered plans.

Source: L'Équipe