Barcelona and Celtic have reportedly sealed the agreement regarding a season-long loan deal for 20-year-old La Masia graduate Alex Valle.
According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Alex Valle is the subject of interest from Celtic. The 2023/24 William Hill Premiership winners have been keen on signing a left-back in the summer transfer window and have secured an agreement over a season-long loan deal for the 20-year-old La Masia graduate. However, the Catalan giants have not included a purchase option in the arrangement.
Who is Alex Valle?
Alex Valle has yet to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at FC Barcelona, even though he is one of the most promising young prospects to have emerged from the club’s fabled La Masia academy. A native of Badalona, the Spaniard began his youth career with UDAT Gramanet before spending some time with CE Sant Gabriel.
However, the 20-year-old has seen his stock soar during his spell with Barcelona, rapidly rising through the ranks in La Masia before turning professional by turning out for Barcelona Atletic. While the youngster has yet to make his first-team bow for the Blaugrana, he has made his mark during his loan spells with FC Andorra and Levante.
Widespread reports ahead of the 2024/25 season suggested Barcelona might integrate the Spanish full-back into the first-team squad, introducing him as a competitor to Alejandro Balde. However, Alex Valle’s next move will also be on loan, with Celtic closing in on securing his services.
Valle set to join Celtic
Celtic’s interest in Alex Valle is a tad bit surprising yet understandable. While the first-team squad has two left-backs, Adam Montogomery is not ready to become a regular for the senior side. So, Greg Taylor is the only recognised full-back in the first team, thus compelling Brendan Rodgers to ask for another option.
Valle has thus emerged as a viable target for Celtic, with the 2023/24 Scottish champions securing an agreement to complete a season-long loan deal for the 20-year-old Spaniard. The youngster will extend his Barcelona contract by one year before embarking on the new temporary spell, considering his current deal expires in less than 12 months.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have not agreed to a purchase option or obligation clause in the loan deal for the Spanish full-back prospect. So, Valle will return to Barcelona after his spell with Celtic, hoping to make his senior bow for the Blaugrana.
