Barcelona loanee Alex Valle looks set to leave Celtic this month as reports suggest the young full-back will join Serie A side Como following Dele Alli’s imminent arrival.
According to Fabrizio Romano, all parties have agreed on the deal, with Celtic prepared to terminate Valle’s loan early to facilitate his move to Italy. The transfer will also require Barcelona’s approval, but the switch is expected to be finalised soon, with Barca giving the go-ahead.
🔵↪️ Como will complete Dele Alli deal tomorrow as revealed… and then next signing expected to be Alex Valle.
Deal being sealed with all parties involved, Celtic to break the loan and then Barcelona for new loan.
Exclusive story, to be confirmed. 🇪🇸🏴 pic.twitter.com/xV0kprkVy6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 18, 2025
Valle’s departure leaves Celtic’s left-back situation in flux. Greg Taylor has been the club’s primary option at the position, but Brendan Rodgers’ side could be stretched thin if another injury or suspension occurs.
At the end of last season, after Bernabei sealed his loan exit, GT was the sole left-back at the club.
Liam Scales has been deployed as an auxiliary left-back on occasion, most recently coming off the bench in two matches this past week. However, his inclusion was largely tactical, as his height was needed to deal with opposition long-ball threats.
Celtic’s long-term solution at left-back could lie in a familiar face as Kieran Tierney inches closer to signing a pre-contract agreement to return to his boyhood club. The Arsenal defender is out of contract this summer and has reportedly turned down interest from other clubs to prioritise a Celtic return.
However, Tierney’s arrival could be expedited if Celtic secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages. The club is said to be exploring a loan deal for the Scotland international, which would allow him to rejoin the Hoops immediately.
Rodgers will have to carefully navigate the coming weeks, with crucial fixtures piling up in both domestic and European competitions. While Valle’s exit opens the door for future arrivals, Celtic must balance short-term needs with long-term planning as they aim to solidify their squad for the remainder of the campaign.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting official updates on Tierney’s situation as the January window progresses.
I cannot believe how short-sighted our club can be.
Alex Valle is a much better player than Greg Taylor He has loads of talent and is a bright young man and I have absolutely no doubt that he is a star of the future. It is good for Barcelona and for Como and ultimately for young Alex, as he will get games and be helped to develop and be thoroughly appreciated.
I can’t believe how you have uninformed YOU have been!
Since day 1, it has been very clear we do NOT have an option to buy Valle, and contrary to your “knee jerk” comment, Valle isn’t an upgrade on Taylor. Is he a very good back-up? Absolutely he is! But superior? No. He is better at getting down the wing, but is not as good defensively.
He is certainly not as good in the air for long balls. Taylor cuts out most of those, Valle has to turn and chase. Taylor is better in the tackle.
Valle is the better ball player for sure. Taylor has more experience and is more likely to score vital goals or set them up.
But either way, Valle is not our player and was never going to be! That’s how short sighted YOU are!
Vale goes to Como. Taylor goes to Turkey. Tierney likely gets injured (if he even lands at parkhead in the first place) and we are in trouble.
I hope the club is just letting the rumours fly and are meantime finalising a deal for some 23 year old that will come in and hold the position for years to come.
I also hope they are in talks with a centre half (or two), creative mid and a productive striker, who is also an threat in the air.
That should tie us over until the next window, when we make more signings in the first week, so by the time the season starts we have a cohesive team that are all on the same page.
Como, Turkey and injury?? We have two losses all season, and a good chance vs YBofB. Lighten up. We are in a good place, doing well domestically, and in CL.