Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:22 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:22 p.m.
Valentin Barco announced his departure from Strasbourg on Monday, after a season and a half spent at the Ligue 1 outfit. The Argentine international is now very close to a transfer to Chelsea, in the Premier League, where he would sign a contract valid for six seasons.
The separation had become evident since Sunday, during the spectacular match won by Strasbourg against AS Monaco, score 5-4, in the last stage of the championship. As he was substituted in the 59th minute, Barco applauded the fans at the Stade de la Meinau and kissed the club crest.
Valentin Barco said goodbye to Strasbourg
The confirmation of the departure came through an emotional message published by the footballer on his personal Instagram account.
“Today, I announce my departure from this club that I joined with high hopes. In a year and a half, I lived magnificent moments, especially the most beautiful: the birth of my daughter.
I will continue to support the club from afar. We will return to this family as soon as possible. Strasbourg will remain a special place for us“, sent Valentin Barco.
Valentin Barco will sign with Chelsea // PHOTO Getty Images
How Barco came to “explode” in Ligue 1
Barco's spell at Strasbourg began in January 2025 when he arrived on loan from England's Brighton & Hove Albion.
After less successful experiences at Brighton and Sevilla, the Argentinian relaunched his career in France, where he accepted the BlueCo project, which owns both Strasbourg and Chelsea, which he had turned down in the past.
Under Liam Rosenior, the former left-back has been reshaped as a midfielder and has become one of the most highly regarded young players in Ligue 1. His developments have seen him among the nominees for the best youngster of the season at the UNFP Trophies and reopened the door to the Argentina national team.
Chelsea pay at least 20 million euros
The transfer to Chelsea had been under negotiation for several weeks and the move has now entered the straight line. Strasbourg had bought him definitively from Brighton for 10 million euros, and the French are going to get at least double this amount following the transaction, notes abola.pt.
At the London outfit, Barco will sign a six-year contract and reunite with several former colleagues from the BlueCo project, including Andrey Santos, Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Emmanuel Emegha.
