Barcelona might look to sign 26-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Valles from fellow La Liga club UD Las Palmas next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alvaro Valles is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for goalkeepers, as they might need a replacement if Inaki Pena leaves. But Barcelona will face stiff competition from Real Betis for the 26-year-old UD Last Palmas goalkeeper.
Alvaro Valles has spent most of his professional career thus far away from the limelight. The Spaniard is a former trainee of Real Betis’s famed youth division. But he has risen to prominence since joining UD Las Palmas on a free transfer in July 2018.
The 26-year-old cut his teeth in Las Palmas’s reserve team before becoming a regular sometime later. Valles helped the Gran Canarian club return to La Liga last season and has been exceptional thus far this term. While his club might be tenth on the league table, he has helped them concede the second-least number of goals thus far.
In addition, Valles has the highest save percentage in La Liga ahead of more well-known goalkeepers like Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jan Oblak, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. So, it is hardly surprising that the Spanish shot-stopper’s progress is capturing the attention of high-profile clubs like Barcelona.
The Catalan giants have been in the pink of health in the goalkeeping department for nearly a decade due to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. While the German international has had his highs and lows at FC Barcelona, they have not had the need to replace him. In addition, Inaki Pena is a top-class backup goalkeeper.
But Pena’s future is uncertain, as he wants to secure regular game time and progress in his career. In addition, ter Stegen is on the wrong side of 30. Alvaro Valles has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona. But the reigning La Liga champions face stiff competition from Real Betis for the 26-year-old goalkeeper.
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Recent reports have also linked Real Betis with other goalkeepers like Hugo Lloris and David de Gea. But re-signing Valles might be the ideal move, considering his exploits in La Liga this term. It will be interesting to see if the Spanish goalkeeper upgrades in his career next year.
