An update on the plans of La Liga giants Barcelona for a member of the club’s loan army has this weekend been forthcoming.
The player in question? Álex Valle.
Defender Valle, for his part, has spent the term to date out on loan, with Segunda outfit Levante.
The move came in a bid to secure regular first-team experience for the 19-year-old, long regarded as a potential star in the making in Catalunya’s capital.
And, though recent weeks have seen his prominence dip under the watch of new boss Felipe Miñambres, Valle’s time at the Estadi Ciutat de València, all told, has proven to be a success.
The Spanish youth international has racked up a total of 24 league appearances for Levante, 22 in the form of starts, impressing at both left-back, and left wing-back.
And, evidently, such endeavours have not gone at all unnoticed amongst those back at his parent club.
In fact, as per a report from Diario Sport, Valle has done enough to convince Xavi of his readiness for a first-team Barcelona berth next season.
The terms of the youngster’s loan deal outlined that he cannot be reintroduced to the reserve setup in Catalunya’s capital upon his return.
This means that only two options are open – a sale, or a permanent spot in the Blaugrana’s senior ranks.
And the latter is viewed as the route in store for Valle, with Xavi having concluded that he ‘is ready to compete with Alejandro Balde for a position at left back’.
Conor Laird | GSFN
