Chelsea are through to the FA Cup semi-finals after securing a comfortable 7–0 victory over Port Vale this weekend. Liam Rosenior should be happy with the way the Blues performed to end their four-match losing streak in all competitions and get back to winning ways.
As the players try their best to salvage something from the season, the Chelsea board is already planning ahead. Indeed, it was earlier reported that the Blues are considering a move for Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco, with the player agreeing to personal terms with the club.
Now, highly reliable Argentine journalist Gaston Edul has shared that the transfer is finalised and Chelsea will sign Barco. An understanding between both clubs has been reached. There is also a contractual agreement in place with the player, who is set to join in the summer. He wrote on X:
Confirmed: Chelsea buys Valentín Barco. There is a contractual agreement with him and an understanding between clubs. He will join midway through the year.
Who is Valentin Barco?
Barco joined Strasbourg permanently last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion. In just a short period of time, the Argentine youngster has caught the eye of many with his performances. So far this season, he has appeared in 38 matches, scored two goals, and provided nine assists in all competitions.
The 21-year-old can operate in multiple positions apart from his central midfield role, including defensive and attacking midfield areas. Additionally, he is capable of playing at left-back, which is where he was operating before moving to Europe.
Barco came through the ranks at Boca Juniors. He impressed in Argentina and was on the radar of clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool and Celtic before choosing to join Brighton & Hove Albion.
Can Valentin Barco be the solution for Chelsea?
Barco has already played under Rosenior when he was at Strasbourg before the manager moved to Chelsea. So it would be a reunion for the youngster. It also means that the 21-year-old shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the team’s tactics.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez’s future at Chelsea has become uncertain after recent events, including the club handing him a two-match suspension for his comments in an interview. As a result, Barco could be seen as a potential replacement for his fellow Argentine if the World Cup winner leaves in the summer.
Then again, Barco is still young and has yet to prove himself in the Premier League, which was a factor in his exit from Brighton & Hove Albion in the first place. Just because he is doing well in France does not mean that he will adjust to English football.
So, will Barco solve Chelsea’s problems for now, or is another experienced midfielder the need of the hour? The Blues will have to find the answer to this question before next summer.
