The fullback positions were two of the most problematic areas for FC Barcelona during the 2023-24 season. Their starting left-back, Alejandro Balde, had to spend most part of that season on the sidelines with his hamstring injury, while Jules Kounde, who mainly started on the right-back position after Cancelo had taken duties on the left, also had a long rough patch during the season.
Thus, for the upcoming pre-season and the 2024-25 season, there are several changes expected in the team corresponding to these positions. Cancelo has already left after his loan term expired, and it is currently uncertain whether he will return to the Catalan club this summer.
Some reports claim that Hector Fort will have a more significant role in the first team next season, while the two returning loanees, Julian Araujo and Alex Valle, are also expected to remain under Hansi Flick, at least for the upcoming pre-season.
This is especially the case for the latter of these players, Alex Valle, as SPORT reports that the Sporting Management of Barcelona has already communicated to the player that he will be a first-team player for all intents and purposes for the next season.
The Sporting Department is planning to go into the 2024-25 season with Alejandro Balde, who will already have fully recovered by the time the next La Liga campaign kicks off, and Alex Valle as their options on the left flank. Valle already knows of these plans and is hopeful that the club will be able to get him registered with La Liga this summer.
Furthermore, the fullback is also hoping that the Catalans will exercise the unilateral option they have to extend his contract, which currently goes till 2025, by another year. His current release clause of €8 million will jump to €30 million if this extension is exercised, but will fall to €3 million if this option is not exercised till 1st August.
Barcelona are also intending to exercise this renewal option, which will also increase the player’s salary. Valle is very happy with the decision of Barcelona and does not want his release clause to drop to €3 million.
