According to a report by Football London on Thursday November 5, 2026, Chelsea midfielder Valentin Barco has admitted that he dreams of returning to Boca Juniors in the future, raising further questions about his long-term prospects at Stamford Bridge under Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea's expensive recruitment strategy means the club regularly needs to sell players, and Barco could eventually become one of those departures despite arriving with considerable expectations.

The Argentine midfielder faces strong competition from Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia, Reece James and Moises Caicedo, making regular opportunities difficult to secure in Alonso's current Chelsea squad.

Since completing his £34 million transfer from Strasbourg, the former Brighton player has managed just one Premier League start, leaving him struggling to establish himself as a regular first-team option.

Barco enjoyed an impressive spell at Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior, but his situation has changed considerably in England, where limited appearances have restricted his opportunities to demonstrate his abilities.

Speaking to the Edul Brothers, the 22-year-old discussed his ambitions and revealed his determination to eventually return to the Argentine club where his professional journey began.

He explained: "I want to win titles, be important, repay the fans for all their love. It's something I feel I owe. I'm taking responsibility for my past; I'm going to come back."

Barco also reflected on his departure from Boca, explaining how difficult it was to leave after spending most of his childhood developing at the club.

"I was at the club since I was nine; those 35 games were a dream. It all happened so fast; it was hard to leave, but I think I made the right decision," he added.

His comments are not entirely surprising, considering Barco previously expressed similar feelings towards Boca during his final months at Strasbourg before completing his Chelsea transfer.

Chelsea signed Barco alongside Emmanuel Emegha for a combined £60 million, although neither arrival has significantly transformed Alonso's first-team options so far.

Nevertheless, Alonso reportedly appreciates Barco's fighting mentality, and increased squad demands could create more opportunities if Chelsea qualify for European competitions next season.

For now, Barco remains at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea potentially viewing him as a valuable transfer asset. However, any immediate departure would probably involve another European club rather than Boca Juniors.