Barcelona’s Squad Planning for the Next Season
Barcelona is gearing up for a significant reshuffle of their squad, with the summer transfer window on the horizon. Under the guidance of Deco, the club’s sporting director, the Catalans are set to make multiple signings while also reassessing the status of current players who are not regulars in the first team. One such player who finds himself in this category is Alex Valle, the talented young left-back.
Alex Valle’s Journey
Last summer, Valle was loaned out to Celtic, a move prompted by Hansi Flick’s decision to prioritize Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin for the left-back position. Despite his potential, Valle’s time in Scotland did not yield the desired results. In January, his loan was terminated early, and he was instead loaned to Serie A side Como, managed by former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Since his arrival, Valle has established himself as a regular starter for the Italian side, demonstrating his capability and maturity.
Future at Como
Como has the option to make Valle’s move permanent, thanks to a €6 million buy clause included in the loan agreement. This clause suggests that the 20-year-old could remain in Italy from the summer onwards if Como decides to activate it. Valle’s consistent performances and adaptability to the Italian league have certainly played in his favor, making it a likely scenario that he will continue his journey with the Serie A club.
Return to Barcelona
However, if Como chooses not to exercise the buy clause, Valle will return to Barcelona. In such a case, his future at the club is not guaranteed, but there are promising signs that he could become a permanent fixture in the first team squad. The Catalan giants have been impressed by his development and potential. Moreover, the performance of Gerard Martin, who has been called upon as Balde’s replacement, has been underwhelming, leaving an opening at left-back that Valle could fill.
Manager’s Preference
Hansi Flick, the current Barcelona manager, has expressed a preference for utilizing the players already within the club’s ranks. This philosophy means that Valle, if he returns, has a good chance of securing a spot in the first team. Flick’s trust in the existing squad, coupled with Valle’s proven form at Como, could pave the way for the young defender to establish himself at Camp Nou.
Looking Ahead
At this stage, it appears more likely that Valle will stay in Italy, given his regular playing time and Como’s option to make his move permanent. However, the possibility of his return to Barcelona cannot be ruled out. If Como decides against activating the buy clause, Valle’s potential to become a key player for the Catalan giants remains strong. The coming months will be crucial in determining the next chapter in Alex Valle’s career, whether it unfolds in Italy or back in Barcelona.
