The player Hansi Flick counted on and whom Barça opted to let go this summer

If there was a surprising name in the 2024/25 pre-season of FC Barcelona, it was Álex Valle. The player from Badalona turned out to be a rather interesting option to reinforce the right-back position, which was surprising considering that the Barcelona youth player had always been seen as a left-back. Watching him perform as a wing-back on the opposite side and doing so with such confidence invited the thought that, why not, he could be a great addition to the Barça squad in this 2024/25 season.

However, in a twist of events, Barça ended up seeking him a new destination, where was it? Celtic Glasgow, a team that offered to facilitate a loan for this campaign. Now, this loan, apparently, did not sit well with Hansi Flick, who seemingly had plans for him to reinforce the left side.

Why did FC Barcelona let Álex Valle go?

According to 'SPORT', the German coach wanted Álex Valle to be part of the squad for the 2024/25 season and communicated this to Deco. However, the decision for his departure was more of the Badalona full-back's choice, whose desire, like any player, was to have regular playing time in the first team and gain prominence, but as a left-back, a position currently held by Alejandro Balde, with Gerard Martín being the second choice for Hansi Flick.

As per the mentioned source, the Heidelberg native considered Álex Valle as a necessary option for the right-back, due to the alleged lack of confidence in Héctor Fort, who, by the way, is one of the Barça assets with the least minutes this season (45' out of 810'). However, the Badalona player reportedly did not fancy the idea of playing as a right-back and being a substitute, as it's clear that Jules Koundé would be the starter in that position.

Finally, after renewing his contract until 2026 (with an option for two more seasons) with FC Barcelona and adjusting his release clause to around 30 million euros, he was loaned to Celtic. In the Scottish team, despite not having had much prominence in Brendan Rodgers' plans, playing just two matches (106 minutes), he managed to provide two assists, with the second being a luxurious assist against St. Johnstone, with a back-heel pass that was undoubtedly a technically brilliant move from a player who is gradually gaining importance in the Glasgow side and it wouldn't be surprising if he secures a starting spot as the left-back.