Barcelona keeping close tabs on La Masia talent impressing at his loan club

Barcelona’s economic situation is steadily settling down, but the Catalans are still far from a situation where they can make signings the way they used to.

The academy, thus, has become the go-to solution for Hansi Flick and Co. and players from La Masia have seldom disappointed. 

Equally important, however, are the players on loan as they also offer a useful option to the club when the transfer windows come around. The right evolution, needless to say, can rewarded with a place in the first team.

Eyes on a left-back

As revealed in a recent update by SPORT, Barcelona are attentive to their left-back situation where only Alejandro Balde has proven his worth beyond doubt.

Alex Valle doing well at Celtic. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Gerard Martin, as it stands, is Flick’s best-placed backup option and the youngster has not disappointed in his few minutes.

However, the club still have their eyes on other profiles and Alex Valle is one such youngster.

The 20-year-old left Barcelona in the summer on loan and is currently plying his trade for Celtic in the Scottish league. In four league starts, he already has two assists to his name and has even started a Champions League game for his side.

Valle has slowly been growing in importance and showing improved maturity and understanding of the game with every passing week. Continued improvement could open the door to his return as a backup left-back.

The youngster was initially expected to stay at the club, but financial fair play reasons forced Barcelona to send him out on loan. In the long run, he remains a serious option to replace Martin despite the youngster only renewing with the club recently.