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Barça's third sale confirmed by Fabrizio Romano: Very unexpected for Flick

Barça closes its third departure this January with a surprise for Flick

FC Barcelona continues adjusting its team and seeking the best way to develop its young talents. In this winter market, the club has confirmed a new move that will allow one of its players to continue his evolution in another league.

This time, the destination won't be LaLiga or the Premier League, but the Italian Serie A. There, the footballer will be able to grow under the guidance of a former Barça player who knows the club's philosophy very well.

Hansi Flick, coach of FC Barcelona. | @FCBarcelona

A loan to gain experience

The young left-back started the season with high expectations.  During the preseason in the United States, he had minutes with the first team and showed his quality.

However, not having enough prominence, the club decided to seek a loan for him. His first destination was Celtic of Glasgow, where he performed well.

In Scotland, he played 19 matches, accumulated 1,013 minutes, and provided five assists. His performance left a good impression, but Barça has opted to give him a new challenge. Now, his destination will be Italy, a league that has historically developed great defenders.

Promotional poster for the FC Barcelona tour in the United States in 2024, with illustrations of team players and iconic United States monuments.
FCB | FC Barcelona

The club chosen for his loan is Como, a team that has recently been promoted to Serie A. The management believes this will be a great opportunity for the player.

The Italian league is demanding at a tactical and defensive level, making it an ideal setting for his growth. Additionally, at Como, he will have more prominence and will be able to continue gaining experience at the elite level. But the most striking aspect of this operation is who will be his coach in this new stage.

Cesc Fàbregas, his new coach

The young footballer will be under the orders of Cesc Fàbregas, who currently manages Como. The former Barça player knows well what it means to succeed at the elite level and will be able to guide him in his evolution.

Fàbregas has been part of some of the best teams in the world and knows how top-level football works. His experience will be key for the player to better understand the game and improve his skills.

Additionally, having come from La Masia, the coach knows what is expected of a player trained at Barça.  This connection can be a determining factor in his development.

A man with a microphone in his ear in front of the FC Barcelona crest on a green background.
Cesc Fábregas wants a player from Barça | en.carpetasfcb.com

His future at Barça remains uncertain

Despite the loan, the footballer still has a contract with FC Barcelona until 2026. However, his future at the club is uncertain. Starting next summer, his release clause will be only 6 million euros. This could spark the interest of several European teams, which might attempt to sign him.

If his performance in Serie A is good, Barça will have to decide whether to count on him or allow his permanent departure. Everything will depend on how he evolves in Italy. The protagonist of this story is Álex Valle, the young left-back who continues to seek his place in elite football.

After his loan to Celtic, he will now have the opportunity to test himself in Serie A with Como. Fàbregas will be his mentor in this new stage, helping him to perfect his game.

Barcelona continues betting on his development, but his future is yet to be defined.  If he manages to stand out in Italy, he could become a real option to strengthen the first team. For now, Valle has a new challenge ahead, and his performance in Serie A will determine the course of his career.