{"id":322427,"date":"2026-04-21T23:21:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T17:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=322427"},"modified":"2026-04-21T23:21:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T17:51:06","slug":"so-many-questions-florent-malouda-baffled-by-chelsea-transfer-deal-for-ex-premier-league-defender-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/04\/21\/so-many-questions-florent-malouda-baffled-by-chelsea-transfer-deal-for-ex-premier-league-defender-football\/","title":{"rendered":"‘So many questions’ – Florent Malouda baffled by Chelsea transfer deal for ex-Premier League defender | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Liam Rosenior is predicted to be reunited with Valentin Barco at Chelsea this summer (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Florent Malouda has been left scratching his head over Chelsea\u2019s decision to focus on Valentin Barco, claiming the move raises \u2018so many questions\u2019 in regards to the club\u2019s current transfer model.<\/p>\n

Barco joined BlueCo-owned Strasbourg on a everlasting deal for a fee of \u20ac10million (\u00a38.7m) last summer following an initial loan move from\u00a0Brighton.<\/p>\n

Widely regarded to be among the many brightest young talents in Argentinian football, the 21-year-old has quickly settled into life in France, making 40 appearances and chipping in with two goals for Strasbourg.<\/p>\n

But there’s mounting speculation that the left-back-cum-midfielder will soon be on the move again, with talks over a switch to Chelsea progressing at a pace in recent weeks.<\/p>\n

Given\u00a0Strasbourg\u00a0and Chelsea are each a part of the BlueCo ownership, negotiations between the 2 sides have been straightforward and there are usually not expected to be any last-minute hiccups in discussions.<\/p>\n

Transfer expert\u00a0Fabrizio Romano<\/a> reported earlier this month that Barco had \u2018said yes\u2019 to Chelsea and private terms were agreed for the\u00a0Argentina\u00a0international to hitch the Blues at the tip of the season.<\/p>\n

Barco is believed to have his heart set on Stamford Bridge and all the pieces is able to go from the player\u2019s side. It’s now \u2018as much as Chelsea\u2019 to determine if or when to proceed, with the\u00a0Club World Cup\u00a0holders said to be \u2018in total control\u2019 of the teen\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

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Barco has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The young left-back has been capped twice by Argentina (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Giving his thoughts on the proposed move for Aceodds.com<\/strong>, Malouda said he had no doubts that Barco was indeed a \u2018good player\u2019 with clear potential.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, the ex-Chelsea and France winger insists his former club ought to be targeting elite-level talent with proven pedigree and experience of winning major silverware.<\/p>\n

\u2018In fact, due to the ownership, players from Strasbourg will routinely be mentioned with a move to Chelsea, but there are such a lot of questions,\u2019 Malouda said.<\/p>\n

\u2018It relies on who leaves and who stays. Also regarding Enzo Fernandez.<\/p>\n

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Malouda won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2010 (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t see Chelsea as a club who should develop players. They need to get players who’re used to winning trophies, and it doesn\u2019t matter about age. <\/p>\n

\u2018It’s about whether you’re used to winning titles or not, no matter it being in France, Germany or one other country.<\/p>\n

\u2018You shouldn\u2019t buy a player just due to the ownership, and it isn’t like Valentin Barco is playing for PSG regardless that he’s player.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Malouda can be concerned for Barco\u2019s development as a player, with the Argentina international set to return up against fierce competition for minutes if he joins Chelsea.<\/p>\n

\u2018He isn’t playing Champions League week in, week out, or competing with national team players,\u2019 Malouda added.<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think it will help Valentin Barco to place him in that situation.\u2019<\/p>\n

Barco struggled to make an impact during his previous spell within the Premier League with Brighton, making only seven top-flight appearances for the Seagulls.<\/p>\n

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior shares an in depth relationship with Barco well having coached the versatile full-back when he was in control of Strasbourg.<\/p>\n

Barco\u2019s current contract with the Ligue 1 outfit isn’t attributable to expire until June 2029.<\/p>\n

For more stories like this,\u00a0check our sport page<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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