New Chelsea manager to have final say on specific signing – Blues pause transfer

RC Strasbourg star Valentín Barco’s transfer to Chelsea is uncertain after the latest developments at Stamford Bridge. 

Over the past few weeks, various claims from France and Argentina have reported the Blues interest.

On April 7th, Sport Witness covered claims from Argentina that Chelsea have agreed a deal with the Ligue 1 side. The same source said Liam Rosenior played a key role in this operation.

He knows the Argentina international first hand, having managed him at the French club.

Boca Juniors are already celebrating the 21-year-old’s transfer to Chelsea as a sure-thing without the official confirmation.

These developments took place when Rosenior was in charge. Two days ago, the Blues parted ways with him and appointed Calum McFarlane as the interim manager until the end of this season.

The west London club lost their last five league matches and failed to score, convincing them to cut ties with the manager.

Rosenior exit could impact Chelsea signing

Bolavip have a report on the Argentina international, titled: ‘Following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal, Valentín Barco’s arrival at Chelsea is uncertain.’

Within the report, they point out the agreement reached between the clubs to bring the former Brighton & Hove Albion man back to England in the summer. The expectation was for him to arrive after the World Cup.

However, the manager’s exit could affect the midfielder’s move to Chelsea. He could still end up at the Premier League side, but it will depend on Rosenior’s successor.

The next permanent manager will have the final say on whether Barco arrives at Chelsea or extend his stay in France. For now, it seems like this operation has been put on hold.

There will be more clarity once the Blues appoint the new permanent manager.

Contract, value and stats

Valentín Barco has been a regular for the French club this season, playing 3,120 minutes from 40 matches.

His Ligue 1 stats are as follows:

• Appearances: 25
• Starts: 22
• Total minutes: 2,022
• Minutes per game: 81

The Argentine’s contract expires in 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €35m, which is the highest of his career.