Chelsea sign Argentina player slapped by Jude Bellingham at World Cup

Chelsea have announced the signing of Valentín Barco, the Argentina midfielder who was involved in a post-match altercation with England’s Jude Bellingham at the World Cup. In the last month’s semi-final—one that, like the final, ended with ugly scenes—Bellingham confronted the 21-year-old Barco and slapped him, sparking a melee between both teams. Barco had been an unused substitute but ran onto the pitch, appeared to taunt England substitute Nico O’Reilly, and then barged into John Stones. Barco later squared up to Bellingham, and Nicolás Otamendi stepped in as the situation was calmed. Chelsea says Barco has signed a seven-year contract, with him joining pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso.