La Liga giants Barcelona are playing a risky game when it comes to the future of an up-and-coming member of the club’s defensive ranks.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Álex Valle as the player in question.
Stopper Valle, for his part, was tipped to play a prominent role back in Catalunya’s capital this season, leading into the summer transfer window.
This came amid the widespread understanding that the 20-year-old, after a year on loan with Levante, had done more than enough to impress former Barcelona boss Xavi.
In turn, it marked a blow for Valle when word was forthcoming that Xavi had been sent on his way, to be replaced by Hansi Flick.
And, since, the left-back has been overtaken in the Blaugrana pecking order by Gerard Martín.
Not only that, but, as per the aforementioned MD, Valle could yet be on the move before the summer transfer window comes to a close.
The Camp Nou brass recently decided against renewing their young defender’s contract, in a bid to save on what would have been an improved wage packet.
In doing so, though, Barcelona also allowed Valle’s release clause to drop from €8 million, to just €3 million.
And as much has no doubt sparked widespread interest across the Spanish football landscape, amid the suggestion that, should João Cancelo be brought back to Catalunya from Manchester City, Valle could move on for a cut-price fee.
Conor Laird | GSFN