Bayern Munich have officially entered the race to sign Argentine sensation Valentín Barco, setting up a high-stakes transfer battle with Chelsea for the RC Strasbourg star.
Following Bayern’s dominant 5-1 win over RB Leipzig, manager Vincent Kompany has reportedly given the board his full approval to intensify efforts for the 21-year-old. Kompany is said to be a huge admirer of Barco’s versatility, viewing him as a key reinforcement for the Bavarians’ pursuit of both the Bundesliga and Champions League titles.
The Versatility of “El Colo”
Since arriving at Strasbourg, Barco has predominantly featured as a left-back, but his tactical flexibility is what has caught Kompany’s eye.
Midfield Roots: Having worn the prestigious number 10 shirt at Boca Juniors, Barco possesses the technical quality to play as an inverted full-back or a creative midfielder.
Strasbourg Form: His performances in Ligue 1 have made him one of the most productive young defenders in Europe this season.
Chelsea and the “Rosenior Connection”
Despite Bayern’s interest, Chelsea remains a formidable rival in this pursuit. According to Topskills Sports UK, the Blues have already initiated talks with Strasbourg’s management.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior reportedly views Barco as a “trusted” target and is pushing the board to secure a deal before the January window closes. With Rosenior’s deep knowledge of the French market, Chelsea had—until now—been considered the favorites to land the Argentinian.
A Tug-of-War in January
While Bayern has not yet submitted a formal opening bid, journalist Augusto César reports that the German giants are “ready to move forward.” The uncertainty surrounding Barco’s future in France has alerted several top clubs, but the battle now appears to be a straight shootout between the Allianz Arena and Stamford Bridge.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
