Celtic fans have been left wondering about the future of on-loan left-back Alex Valle, with reports suggesting the Spaniard could be on the verge of cutting his loan spell short to join Italian side Como.
Valle’s potential departure has raised questions about Celtic’s defensive depth, particularly with Champions League squad limitations preventing the Hoops from registering a replacement for the 20-year-old until the next round. Both the young Boys game and the Aston Villa game must be played with the current registered crop of players.
Valle Linked with Move to Italy
Valle, who joined Celtic on loan from his parent club Barcelona in Spain, has impressed in flashes but has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice option. Reports of a possible return for Celtic favourite, Kieran Tierney has sparked specualtion over the Spanaird’s future.
However, Celtic currently face the issue about the squad’s strength in the left-back position for the remaining Champions League games if Valle leaves and if Kieran Tierney doesn’t come in until the summer.
Rodger’s possible solution?
While Brendan Rodgers has not publicly confirmed Valle’s situation, his squad selections may have hinted at the solution. During Celtic’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at the weekend, Liam Scales filled in at left-back, coming on for Greg Taylor late in the match.
Scales, typically deployed as a centre-back, has shown his versatility and could offer a dependable alternative should Valle leave. Let’s not forget he was brought to Celtic as a left-back. The Irishman has earned Rodgers’ trust with a series of solid performances in the Premiership campaign, and his ability to slot in at left-back may provide some relief for the Celtic manager.
With Celtic unable to register any new signings in their Champions League squad, Rodgers may lean on his current options for defensive cover. While Valle’s situation remains unresolved, Scales’ cameo against Kilmarnock could be an indicator of how Rodgers plans to adapt if the Spaniard exits the club in the coming days.
Valle has been consistently good and, not as you say, just in flashes. He is very clever and talented as a footballer and IMHO he should have been playing as a first starter and Taylor should have been the backup. No wonder Barcelona are OK with Alex going to Como.
It is interesting that we did the same with Bernabei, who was not properly supported when he was here. Now we have a smart a–se who is demanding more money than we are offering to sign a new contract, even though we have made him a millionaire already on a fantastic salary already.
Agree with Pan, Valle is a much better player than Taylor. He has more pace, skill and determination.
The Celtic fans will miss him but not so Taylor who is very average