Report: Hansi Flick Eyes Early Alex Valle Return Amid Left-Back Crisis

Alex Valle has certainly impressed in recent weeks, with the Spanish defender starting five of the Hoops’ last six Games.

However, tonight he is on the bench, with Greg Taylor starting at left-back in a surprise to some, as Valle has not put a foot wrong during his time in the starting 11.

Reports from Spain this evening reveal that it’s not only Celtic fans who are pleased with the young left-back’s development.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly delighted with the 20-year-old’s progress during his loan spell.

El Nacional.cat report that Barcelona has decided on a course of action regarding the Spaniard, with an eye toward possibly ending the current arrangement with the Hoops.

Flick is said to be seriously considering triggering an option to terminate the loan early in January, bringing the player back to the Nou Camp.

This potential early recall is driven by Barcelona’s urgent need for a left-back, as the La Liga leaders currently face limited options, with only first-choice Alejandro Balde available in that position.

Gerard Martin has served as Baldé’s backup, but the Spanish giants are keen to strengthen their options, as Martin’s development is reportedly not at the same level as Valle, who has looked right at home in a sensational Celtic team this season.

Club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are reportedly working on arrangements to bring the player back during the winter transfer window.

It would be a huge blow to Celtic, as there is no option to buy in his current loan deal.

Given that Valle was initially signed on a season-long loan, Celtic would be entitled to financial compensation if he returns to Spain early.

However, interestingly, Valle has a £2.5 million release clause in his Barcelona contract.

It appears the plan is to bring the Spaniard back to his homeland and into the first team with a new contract, one likely without such an affordable release clause, given his hugely impressive time in Scotland.

What this means for Valle’s future at Celtic remains to be seen.

However, with Greg Taylor’s current deal expiring in the summer of 2025 and the Hoops consistently linked with Kieran Tierney, left-back is one position in the Celtic team that may look very different next season.