Less than 20 days ago, while Argentina were celebrating the massive triumph against England in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, the football world was shocked by the incident that followed the final whistle, when Jude Bellingham slapped La Albiceleste’s Valentin “Colo” Barco on the head, sparking a mass confrontation on the pitch.Today, Barco’s path crossed with England once again, as the 22-year-old completed a move to Premier League giants Chelsea.
The Blues announced Colo’s arrival on a seven-year deal, as he became the London side’s ninth addition after Dastan Satpaev, Denner, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra, Maxence Lacroix, and Morgan Rogers.
The fee Chelsea paid to their affiliate club Strasbourg for the Argentine’s transfer remains undisclosed for now.The Premier League won’t be unfamiliar territory for Barco, as he wore Brighton’s shirt, but in only seven games. He spent most of the 2024/2025 season – his only one in England – out on loan at Sevilla and Strasbourg before joining the French club on a permanent deal in July 2025 for €10 million.
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A product of Boca Juniors’ academy, Barco can play both in midfield and at left-back, and his versatility and potential are reportedly among the main reasons Xabi Alonso pushed for the move.Still, he is unlikely to be Chelsea’s final signing of the June transfer window, with Jordan Henderson expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the coming days.