After Liam Rosenior, are Strasbourg about to lose another key figure to Chelsea?
Supporters of the French club initially saw the advantages of being affiliated with Chelsea via BlueCo through the various loans RC Strasbourg have benefited from in recent seasons. This includes Andrey Santos in previous years, or Mike Penders, Ben Chilwell, Mathis Amougou and Kendry Paez this season.
But gradually, Strasbourg fans have witnessed the cruel downsides, first with captain Emanuel Emegha's transfer planned for summer 2026 and, most recently, Liam Rosenior's departure. This deals a sporting blow to the French side, who are in fine form in Ligue 1 and in Europe, solely to help the struggling English giants. And it suggests that Strasbourg's needs count for nothing, or very little, compared to Chelsea's.
Barco to follow Rosenior to Chelsea?
And this could continue in the coming weeks, with Valentin Barco's departure. According to Topskills Sports UK, the fifth-placed Premier League side have opened discussions with RC Strasbourg for the 21-year-old Argentine, who was developed as a left-back but has now been converted into a defensive midfielder. Chelsea are preparing “their first offer” for the international (one cap) and plan to send it “in the coming days”.
According to the British outlet, Liam Rosenior, the new Blues boss, is playing “a crucial role” in this approach. For his part, Valentin Barco is “open” to the idea of joining the Premier League and his former coach's club.
Strasbourg deny Barco departure to Chelsea but…
In a press conference, as reported by Foot Mercato, Marc Keller, Strasbourg's president, denied such a move. “Valentin Barco leaving? No, he will not leave in January.” But should the French club's chairman be believed? His powerlessness in the Liam Rosenior case indicates that the former striker is not master of his own club, and that the combined will of Chelsea and BlueCo takes precedence over RC Strasbourg's interests.
Therefore, if the fifth-placed Premier League side absolutely want Valentin Barco, and as early as this winter, there is cause for concern for the French club, who have enjoyed an impressive first half of the season, notably thanks to the Argentine – one goal and six assists in 23 appearances. RC Strasbourg are gradually realising this, but it is not good to be anything other than the biggest club in the BlueCo galaxy.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
