Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Valentin Barco from sister club Strasbourg in a move that could prove controversial. The Argentina midfielder has signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge after infamously clashing with Jude Bellingham following England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
After running on the pitch at the full-time whistle, Barco celebrated enthusiastically in front of the devastated England players rather than joining the rest of his Argentina team-mates. It prompted a furious response from Bellingham, who walked over and clipped him on the back of the head, sparking a melee.
Fan backlash on social media
Several Blues fans reacted angrily to the transfer announcement on X. @EDuggan25849 wrote: "Any member of that Argentina national team from the World Cup should not be signed by any English Premier League club!" @markwaterman17 commented: "He’s absolute toilet. If he ever gets a game in the Premier League I can’t wait for him to be hammered."
It remains to be seen how Barco will be received by English fans when he plays for Chelsea, who have secured his services for an undisclosed fee. Barco is expected to link up with Xabi Alonso's squad later during pre-season after Argentina's journey to the World Cup final last month. Despite featuring in Lionel Scaloni's squad at the North America tournament, he managed only 19 minutes, appearing as a second-half substitute in a group stage victory against Jordan.
Career and likely role
Barco joined Strasbourg following an underwhelming period at Brighton. Having arrived at the Ligue 1 club as a left-back, he was repositioned as a central midfielder by former manager Liam Rosenior. He is set to be deployed in the middle of the park by Alonso next term, though speculation suggests he could be loaned out should the Blues complete their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
Enzo Fernandez is among several players Barco will recognise when he links up with his new Chelsea colleagues. He also featured alongside Danny Welbeck at Brighton, Aaron Anselmino at Boca Juniors and Strasbourg, as well as Emmanuel Emegha, David Datro Fofana and Mike Penders at Strasbourg.
