Chelsea have confirmed the signing of World Cup villain Valentin Barco on a seven-year deal.
Barco, 22, who can play in midfield and at left-back, joins the Blues from their sister membership Strasbourg.
The Argentine hit the headlines final month when he clashed with Jude Bellingham after England’s semi-final defeat on the World Cup.
Barco made only one substitute look on the match, however he infuriated the Three Lions after he sprinted throughout the pitch when Enzo Fernandez equalised late on within the conflict.
He ran proper in entrance of a number of England gamers and appeared to taunt them, earlier than John Stones reacted by giving him a shove.
Barco later additionally got here onto the pitch within the aftermath of Lautaro Martinez’s successful aim.
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of World Cup villain Valentin Barco on a seven-year deal
Barco clashed with Jude Bellingham after Argentina’s semi-final victory over England
It was additionally reported that the brand new Chelsea star had been winding up the England bench for the whole lot of the 90 minutes.
In response to his antics, Bellingham gave the 22-year-old a slap on the again of the pinnacle after the full-time whistle as Argentina’s gamers celebrated.
Given his involvement within the World Cup, Barco will not be part of up together with his new team-mates till later in pre-season.
The versatile star started his profession again residence with Boca Juniors, making his debut on the age of 16.
After impressing in Argentina, Barco joined Brighton in 2024 for £7.4million but he struggled to determine himself on the south coast, and frolicked on mortgage at Sevilla and Strasbourg.
He later made a everlasting transfer to Strasbourg in February 2025 and was recurrently linked with a transfer away after impressing in France, the place they certified for European soccer.
Barco contributed 12 objectives and assists final season and his robust kind noticed him earn a spot in Argentina’s World Cup squad, though he performed simply 19 minutes in a bunch stage victory over Jordan.
His arrival at Stamford Bridge comes following the exit of Marc Cucurella to Actual Madrid, though Chelsea are persevering with negotiations with Rayo Vallecano for left wing-back Pep Chavarria after making an improved provide.
Barco has turn out to be the Blues’ seventh signing of the summer time, with Danny Welbeck, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra and former Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha all additionally becoming a member of the membership.
He has additionally turn out to be the thirteenth participant to maneuver between the French aspect and Chelsea since BlueCo took over Strasbourg in 2023, a 12 months after they bought the Premier League aspect.
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