Official: Como secure permanent deal for Barcelona defender – price tag revealed | OneFootball

Como have officially announced that left-back Alex Valle has joined the club on a permanent basis from Barcelona, following his loan spell in Serie A in the second half of the 2024-25 season.

The 21-year-old moved to Como during the January transfer window, cutting short his season-long loan deal with Scottish Premiership side Celtic in the process.

Como had an option to make Valle’s move permanent for a fee of €6m, which has since been activated.

COMO, ITALY – MARCH 08: Alex Valle of Como 1907 in action during the Serie A match between Como and Venezia at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on March 08, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Valle has put pen to paper on a four-year contract with Como, who finished the 2024-25 season in the top half of the Serie A table following their promotion from Serie B the year prior.

“It’s been a great six months. I’ve settled in really well and I’m very happy here,” Alex Valle said after sealing his permanent move from Barcelona to Como.

“Obviously, the prospect of continuing here in Como fills me with joy and pride. I can’t wait to start next season and give my all for this club.”

Official: Como announce Alex Valle signing from Barcelona

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 15: Joao Felix of AC Milan is challenged by Alex Valle of Como during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Como 1907 is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Spanish defender Álex Valle from FC Barcelona. The 20-year-old has penned a contract that runs until 2029,” a statement on the Como club website read.

“Valle came through the ranks at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy after joining from CE Sant Gabriel in 2014. He made his debut for Barcelona B in March 2022 and furthered his development with loan spells at FC Andorra and Levante.

“Last summer, he spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Celtic, making 11 appearances and registering three assists.

“Valle joined Como on loan in January and has since made 15 appearances, playing a key role in helping the club secure a historic 10th-place finish in Serie A.”

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas, who has been linked with a move to replace Simone Inzaghi as head coach of Inter, added: “Alex is a talented young defender, and he has proven it in the last six months.

epa11749445 Como 1907’s head coach Cesc Fabregas looks on prior to the Italian Serie A soccer match Como 1907 vs AC Monza at Giuseppe Sinigaglia stadium in Como, Italy, 30 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

“He has integrated perfectly and in a very short time into the team’s mechanisms, showing all his qualities both defensively and offensively. With him Como has secured one of the most interesting talents of his age who will be very important for the team in the future”