Barcelona Confirms First Departure of Summer: Álex Valle Joins Como Permanently
Barcelona has officially finalized its first player departure of the summer transfer window, as young left-back Álex Valle makes a permanent switch to Italian side Como. This marks the start of a broader squad overhaul being orchestrated by sporting director Deco, head coach Hansi Flick, and club president Joan Laporta.
According to Sport, Como have exercised the €6 million purchase option in Valle’s loan deal. The 20-year-old defender, who had been on his fourth consecutive loan spell, has impressed under manager Cesc Fàbregas since his January arrival and earned a full-time spot in the Serie B side’s squad.
Despite initial hopes of breaking into Barcelona’s senior team, Valle’s path was effectively blocked by the rise of Gerard Martin and the continued form of Alejandro Balde at left-back.
Barcelona sees the sale as a financially strategic move, both to raise funds for summer reinforcements and to streamline the squad. Valle, whose contract with the Catalan club ran until 2026, now moves on in search of regular first-team football.
The club is expected to announce further departures soon, with names like Iñaki Peña, Ronald Araújo, Héctor Fort, Pau Víctor, and Andreas Christensen all being considered for transfers as Barça continues reshaping its roster for the new season.
