Alex Valle reflects on ‘learning’ from brief Celtic spell amid fine Serie A form

Alex Valle has gone from strength to strength since the end of his short loan spell at Celtic.

Brought to Glasgow on loan from Barcelona by Brendan Rodgers, the left-back largely operated as back-up for Greg Taylor in the first half of the 2024-25 season.

After a respectable nine starts in five months, his loan was cut short to facilitate a move to Como on loan with an option to buy. Celtic signed Jeffrey Schlupp in his place.

His form with the then-newly-promoted Serie A club earned him a £5 million permanent move, and he is now the starting left-back for a side excelling in the Champions League as well as the Italian top-flight.

Asked about his spell at Celtic, Valle told BBC Alba: “I think it was all about a process. It’s been a process, obviously, because I still have lots of things I need to improve. But these one-and-a-half or two years [in Como] have been really nice for me.

“Obviously, at Celtic I learned a lot. It was a bit shorter, but as I told you, I think it’s a process. I’m still learning more things every time.”

On his life at Como, he continued: “I think we’re a very complete squad, everyone can see it. Game after game, the coach can make changes, and the team always has the same identity at least.

“We can play better or worse sometimes, but I think the identity is what matters the most. Today, I come in again with full confidence.”

Valle registered five assists during his time in Scotland, including one for Daizen Maeda against Club Brugge in the Champions League. His move to Como was partially allowed because the Hoops were trying to sign Kieran Tierney, but Schlupp was signed when a deal couldn’t be agreed with Arsenal.

Managed by Cesc Fabregas, Como sit fourth in Serie A, five points off the summit. This season, they have already claimed a 2-1 win away at Napoli and 4-1 Champions League triumphs at home to RB Leipzig and Manchester United.