Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but it is hardly a secret that Valentin Barco will join Chelsea in the summer, and in the early hours of Sunday morning, he started for Argentina against Honduras.
Ahead of the World Cup starting on Friday, nations are building up their fitness and cohesion in warm-up fixtures. England edged past New Zealand with a 1-0 win last night, and Argentina took on Honduras.
PROVE ME WRONG: No midfielder is more perfect for Caicedo, than Barco 🔟
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal for Barco.
A goal in each half saw Lionel Scaloni’s 2022 World Cup winners edge past Honduras. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez scored a penalty in the first half, before the Inter striker laid on an assist for a second.
He supplied Giuliano Simeone to score Argentina’s second just before the hour mark. Barco, who starred for Strasbourg during 2025-26, was handed a start by Scaloni before he was replaced during the break.
What Chelsea fans thought of Valentin Barco’s performance
He might have played for Chelsea’s sister side Strasbourg since joining the French side from Brighton, but Barco is still very much an unknown – certainly, in the Premier League. However, his reputation is growing.
Naturally a midfielder, Barco has come a long way from playing as a left wing-back. He got booked inside 30 minutes, but the stats show Barco was very impressive during the 2-0 win, in what was his third cap.
Indeed, Barco completed 51 of 55 passes in just 45 minutes. He enjoyed plenty of possession with 66 touches, and made nine passes into the final third. Three tackles, one interception, and four recoveries.
One supporter said that he was a “complete baller”, while another Chelsea fan was so impressed that he said Scaloni needs to start the midfielder in “every game for Argentina at the World Cup”.
Another claims that Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, a key part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win, “is in trouble” after watching Barco shine even if his performance only came in a win against Honduras.
Chelsea fans continued to discuss Barco in their droves, with many excited to see what the midfielder will bring to the Blues. One said he was “literally the best player”, another said “Enzo will cook with this guy.”
What is the latest on Chelsea’s move to sign Valentin Barco?
As aforementioned, nothing is confirmed, but reports suggest a deal is as good as done. Chelsea have not yet officially told their fans that Barco will join Mike Penders and Emmanuel Emegha in swapping clubs.
Are you excited by Barco’s summer arrival?
Rosenior's Strasbourg star is incoming.
Barco waved goodbye to Strasbourg supporters on social media following the end of the season, in which he thanked both Liam Rosenior – his former manager at Strasbourg – and current gaffer Gary O’Neil.
Xabi Alonso is reportedly a big fan of Barco and is keen to use him regularly next season, while Fabrizio Romano claims Barco rejected a move to a big German club for Chelsea, believing in the “Chelsea way”.
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