In the world of football, young talents often find themselves navigating the complexities of loans, contracts, and potential transfers. One such player making waves is Barcelona's Álex Valle. Currently on loan at Como after a successful stint at Celtic, Valle's performances have caught the eye of Borussia Dortmund, who are reportedly interested in acquiring the young left-back.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Borussia Dortmund has been closely monitoring Valle's progress during his time in Serie A. The 20-year-old defender, under contract with FC Barcelona until 2026, has emerged as a standout talent among the three Barcelona players loaned out for the 2024–2025 season. Notably, he is the only one with a genuine chance of reintegration into Barcelona's first team—though nothing is set in stone.
Valle's journey began when he was initially tested by Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick during pre-season, where he was even played on the right side of defense. However, Flick ultimately opted for Gerard Martín as the left-back, prompting Valle to seek valuable playing time elsewhere. His loan to Celtic FC allowed him to gain crucial experience, including a debut in the UEFA Champions League, where he made a significant impact by providing five assists in 20 appearances.
After his time in Scotland, Valle's trajectory took another turn when Cesc Fàbregas, who recognized his potential, advocated for a move to Como during the January transfer window. Since joining the Serie A side, Valle has continued to grow and impress, further solidifying his status as a player of interest for clubs like Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona has retained a €6 million release clause in Valle's contract, but with rising interest, they are reportedly willing to negotiate if a bid in the region of €8 million is presented. While Dortmund's interest remains informal as of April 20, 2025, the situation could evolve as the summer transfer window approaches.
Valle's position at Barcelona appears increasingly precarious, especially with Alejandro Balde firmly established as the club's long-term first-choice left-back. Additionally, Gerard Martín's recent contract renewal reinforces the notion that Valle may find it difficult to carve out a role within the first team.
Despite this, there are whispers that if Valle returns to Barcelona, he could still have a chance to remain with the first team. The Catalan club is likely to be in need of a new backup for Balde, given Martín's occasional struggles. As it stands, Como holds the option to buy Valle, which adds another layer of complexity to his future.
"He’s a very young player, only 20 years old, and has a lot of room to grow," said Cesc Fàbregas, highlighting the potential that Valle possesses. With his stock on the rise, the coming months will be pivotal for Valle as he navigates his career path amid interest from top clubs and the dynamics of Barcelona's roster.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Álex Valle. Whether he makes a permanent move to Como, returns to Barcelona, or finds himself in the midst of a bidding war involving Borussia Dortmund, one thing is certain: his performances will continue to attract attention, and his future will be a topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike.
