Vitor Roque, Lenglet... The 1x1 of those on loan from Barça

The FC Barcelona used the loan route during the last transfer window to offload some players who perhaps did not fit into Hansi Flick's sports project for this season. With the aim of giving them the opportunity to continue developing their careers and, why not, increase their value for future transfers, the Blaugrana team decided to let four players go so they could showcase their football at other clubs, where they could enjoy more minutes and play more relevant roles than they probably would have in the culé squad.

Next, on FCBN, we present the four cases of loaned players from FC Barcelona that should be closely monitored, observing the evolution they are experiencing, some quite positively and others perhaps not so much.

Vitor Roque - Real Betis

One of the most striking cases is that of Vitor Roque. The Brazilian 'killer', who did not have a good experience in his first stint with Barcelona, has found new life at Real Betis this 2024-25 season.

Under the direction of Manuel Pellegrini, Vitor Roque has enjoyed many opportunities to see action, totaling 10 matches played and 547 minutes on the pitch. As a result, he has managed to score two goals. Moreover, beyond the statistics, the most relevant aspect is that the former Athletico Paranaense seems to have regained his smile and is experiencing a joy that seemed lost. Given this, it is likely that we will soon see his best version in an environment that has valued him, both from the fans and the sporting aspect, which is extremely positive.

Álex Valle - Celtic Glasgow

In another case that is gradually seeing success is the trajectory of Álex Valle with Celtic Glasgow. The Badalona native, perhaps motivated by the lack of minutes in La Liga and seeking development in his usual left-back position, decided to accept the offer from the Scottish side. Apparently, Hansi Flick considered him more suitable as a right-back, a position he played in a couple of matches without looking out of place, although it apparently was not his preference.

Under the direction of Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Glasgow, the young full-back has begun to receive playing time more regularly, reaching the point of competing for a starting position at left-back. Now, Álex Valle is making the most of the opportunities provided by the Northern Irish coach, having already faced six matches with 421 minutes in action. He has achieved two assists and continues to gain valuable experience in La Liga.

Clément Lenglet - Atlético Madrid

Currently, we also have the case of Clément Lenglet, whose situation at the team he was loaned to, Atlético Madrid, seems somewhat complicated. Initially, it was expected that the French defender could position himself as the usual left-sided defender in Diego 'Cholo' Simeone's scheme. However, to date, he has had limited participation, having played only two matches and been a substitute on eight occasions, although it is worth noting that in those matches he played, he did not look out of place.

Unfortunately, just when it seemed he was beginning to gain more prominence, he suffered a sprain in his ankle and left knee, which has kept him out of the next three matches. We are awaiting his progress to determine when he can return to action.

Oriol Romeu - Girona

To conclude, we have the case of Oriol Romeu. The Ulldecona native started the season being quite important for Michel's sports project at Girona (he played seven out of nine possible matches). However, just when things seemed to be going well, he suffered an injury to the hamstring tendon in his right leg against Celta de Vigo (09/29).

In this context, he has been sidelined for almost a month, and projections suggest that he will be out for at least another month, cutting short what appeared to be a recovery of sensations for the Catalan pivot. Oriol Romeu has shown that in the central area he can be very relevant and that, when he fully recovers from his physical setback, he should return to being a starter.