Barcelona to offer fresh deal to 20-year-old defender but future not guaranteed | OneFootball

After successive loans at Andorra and Levante in the second division, Barcelona left-back Alex Valle has been given a chance in preseason by Hansi Flick, just as he was by Xavi Hernandez. If the German had his way, he would likely be part of the first team next season.

After Valle was not registered as a first-team player by the first of August, the 20-year-old’s release clause dropped from €30m to €3m, with just a year left on his deal. Sport sat that he will be offered a new deal, but his future for next season is still in doubt. The Catalan outlet say that there are numerous teams interested in Valle, and Sporting Director Deco must now explain their plans for him to his agent.

His promotion will likely only happen if Barcelona cannot strike a deal with Manchester City for Joao Cancelo, and even if the Blaugrana offer him a new deal, then it could merely be a way of strengthening their position in the market, with a view to a future move.

Valle has been tested at right-back by Flick, and impressed against Real Madrid over the weekend. He was involved in both goals, including an excellent assist. That said, there is plenty of competition for places amongst the youngsters. Alejandro Balde is likely to start off as the number one at left-back, with Gerard Martin also impressing in preseason. Hector Fort, Julian Araujo, Jules Kounde and Mikayil Faye are all alternatives at full-back too.