Alex Valle seals Celtic loan transfer as Barcelona kid earns instant Brendan Rodgers assessment

Celtic have completed their fifth signing of the window after sealing a season-long loan deal for Barcelona youngster Alex Valle.

The champions have been in the market for another left back all summer and have now snapped up the 20-year-old to provide competition for Greg Taylor. Valle spent the whole of last season on loan in Spain's second tier at Levante and is a product of Barca's famed La Masia youth academy. He is yet to make a first team appearance for the club, but just before sealing his Celtic loan switch, extended his contract with the Catalan giants until the summer of 2026.

Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Brendan Rodgers said: “We’re delighted to have landed Alex on this season-long loan as we continue to strengthen the squad for the season ahead. His footballing style will complement our attacking play as well as giving us more options in our backline.

"Alex has been brought up in a real high-quality footballing environment learning all the good habits and skills associated with any top team. He is a player with some tremendous attributes.'

“He has performed really well for Levante last season, been around Barcelona's first team this year already and he is a welcome and quality addition to our squad.”

Valle added: “I’m very excited, it’s a great opportunity to come to this historic club. They have given me a lot of confidence to come here, so I will try to do my best to return the confidence. I’ve heard a lot about the fans and and what we can experience in this stadium, so I’m just excited to see it in real life.

“The manager gave me a lot of confidence to come here. He told me that he has watched some games in Barca and Levante, so I’m really happy to be here and looking forward to training with