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 club Strasbourg.
The Argentine hit the headlines last month when he clashed with Jude Bellingham after England‘s semi-final defeat at the World Cup.
Barco made just one substitute appearance at the tournament, but he infuriated the Three Lions after he sprinted across the pitch when Enzo Fernandez equalised late on in the clash.
He ran right in front of several England players and appeared to taunt them, before John Stones reacted by giving him a shove.
Barco later also came onto the pitch in the aftermath of Lautaro Martinez‘s winning goal.
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
There were also reports that the new Chelsea star had been winding up the England bench for the entirety of the 90 minutes.
In response to his antics, Bellingham gave the 22-year-old a slap on the back of the head after the full-time whistle as Argentina’s players celebrated, causing a scuffle on the pitch.
Given his involvement in the World Cup, Barco won’t join up with his new team-mates until later in pre-season.
The versatile star began his career back home with Boca Juniors, making his debut at the age of 16.
After impressing in Argentina, Barco joined Brighton in 2024 for £7.4million yet he struggled to establish himself on the south coast, and spent time on loan at Sevilla and Strasbourg.
He joined Strasbourg permanently in July 2025 and was regularly linked with a move away after impressing in France, where his side qualified for Europe.
Barco contributed 12 goals and assists last season and his strong form saw him earn a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad, although he played just 19 minutes in a group stage victory over Jordan.
Bellingham slapped Barco on the back of the head following his overzealous celebrations
His arrival at Stamford Bridge comes following the exit of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, although Chelsea are still in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano for left wing-back Pep Chavarria after making an improved offer.
Barco is the Blues’ seventh signing of the summer, with Danny Welbeck, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra and former Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha all also joining the club.
He has similarly become the 13th player to move between the French side and Chelsea since BlueCo took over Strasbourg in 2023, a year after they purchased the Premier League side.
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