Alex Valle is closing in on a season-long loan move to Celtic from Barcelona.
News on the deal started breaking on Sunday night with various outlets including Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano reporting that Celtic will pay £1.3m to secure Valle for the 2024/25 campaign.
It’s stated that he is travelling to Scotland today to undergo his medical and go through the final stages of the signing with his agent.
There is no option to buy the left-back at the end of his stay but Spanish outlets have suggested he has a reasonable break clause in his Barcelona contract that could be activated next summer.
Barcelona fans rate Celtic target Alex Valle as a bright talent
Still just 20, Valle has yet to make a sustained breakthrough into the Barcelona first-team but he has been attracting attention for performances in pre-season.
There’s a perception he could have been a useful depth option for the La Liga giants this term, a sign that he can make an impact in the Scottish Premiership.
One fan stated on X, formerly Twitter: “Valle was the ideal substitute for Balde. He can also be used for RB, you can’t send him out on loan. In the preseason he was seen to be playing at a great level, being the best player in the team along with Pau Víctor in that Clásico against Madrid. The season is very long, there are many games.”
Another said: “It is so complicated to sign Olmo that they have to lighten up as much as possible and more. Alex Valle would have been a good substitute this year to give Balde a rest.”
This fan noted his versatility, also able to play on the right flank, stating: “Gerard Martin is also in his place. I would have kept him as Koundé’s substitute.”
Plenty think Celtic are making a good signing with this supporter saying: “Great work by Celtic to secure Valle’s loan. He’ll surely make an impact.”
Finally, this fan concluded that Celtic would be a great destination for the young defender, enthusing: “Great loan choice, the biggest club in Scotland with huge pressure of winning every game, playing in front of 60,000 fans at Celtic park, Brendan Rodgers plays some great football and develops players, the perfect environment for him to thrive and show what he’s made of.”
Alex Valle’s career experience so far
Although he hasn’t made a competitive appearance for Barcelona to date, Valle did earn valuable senior experience in the Spanish second tier last term.
He made 29 appearances for Levante, having previously been sent out on a similar loan to FC Andorra.
Valle ranked highly in the division for touches in the opposition box and successful dribbles compared to others in his position. The same is true for tackles, interceptions and duels won – so he was a busy performer at both ends of the pitch.
The 20-year-old appears primed for that next step in his career. He’ll push Greg Taylor in the position at Celtic and hopefully show why he’s considered a potentially elite player.
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