Loan watch: How Barcelona’s four loanees are faring at their current clubs

The summer transfer window saw FC Barcelona trim their squad a fair bit by sanctioning some permanent exits as well as some loan departures.

In total, four players who were part of the senior setup left on loan and the Blaugrana, who are thriving this season, are keeping a close eye on how things are progressing with them at their respective temporary clubs.

Football co-ordinator Bojan Krkic Jr. is the one tasked with keeping a close watch on the development of the loaned players throughout the course of the season.

Over two months into the season, a couple of the loanees seem to be making steady progress at their new clubs while the other two have hit some roadblocks.

Vitor Roque (Real Betis)

Starting with the most high-profile loan exit from the summer, Vitor Roque left Barcelona just eight months after arriving from Brazil amid much hype and fanfare, after failing to win over Xavi and Hansi Flick.

However, under Manuel Pellegrini at Real Betis, the 19-year-old centre-forward is showing glimpses of his potential which had made Barça bet heavily on him at such a young age.

‘Tigrinho’ has admitted that he is happy again after a low period in Catalonia. The striker has played eight games for Betis, starting five, and has already scored two goals in La Liga.

Alex Valle (Celtic)

The La Masia product requested to be loaned out even though manager Hansi Flick was keen on retaining him in the squad. Having joined Celtic in search of regular game-time, Valle is making a solid impression thus far.

Even though he was initially behind Greg Taylor in Brendan Rodgers’ plans, Valle is slowly gaining prominence in the Scottish giants’ setup, especially after the former’s injury.

Valle already has three assists in just seven games and put in a standout performance in the Champions League clash against Atalanta. Barcelona are taking note of his progress.

Oriol Romeu (Girona)

After a dull season on his return to Barcelona in 2023/24, Oriol Romeu went back to Girona this past summer – a club where he had excelled during the 2022/23 campaign.

The veteran midfielder became a regular starter once again in Michel’s team upon his return, after having had to make do with a largely subdued role at Barça.

However, an injury to the femoral biceps tendon in his right leg meant that Romeu has been out for a month now and will be sidelined for another month before he can get back on the field.

Clement Lenglet (Atletico Madrid)

Having secured a move to rivals Atletico Madrid until the end of the season, Clement Lenglet initially found it hard to force himself into Diego Simeone’s plans, largely making do with substitute appearances.

But the French defender impressed on his first start against Real Betis only to suffer an injury in a subsequent match vs Leganes, causing him to miss two games.

The knock came at an unfortunate time for Lenglet, who was finally starting to get some regular minutes under his belt.