Welcome to Celtic Alex Valle

More suddenly remembering the bonkers Sci-fi Fantasy show from the 90's.

 

Haha I wasn’t being arrogant at all; pedantic I’ll give you. Don’t think it’s arrogant to state that actually watching Ale Balde consistently leaves me in no doubt that he’s not comparable to Greg Taylor haha.

I’ve also never claimed to be in the know. As I’ve stated various times, I know someone who is very well placed to give accurate pieces of information, some of which I pass on here. I unfortunately can’t tell the future though, or I’d be able to put @Blochairnbhoy out of his misery rather than him suffering for the next 54 hours or so.

 

Hopefully he’s not in barcas plans and doesn’t get registered as a first team player next summer so we can chance our arm at triggering a release clause and getting him in permanently if he does well. If he’s not registered as a first team player it’s in his contract to go on loan aswell so could be an option for another year then even

 

Hope he has a cracker of a season! Aye, it's lazy as we know for years that we can't keep a SPFL level defender as our main LB. It's beyond a joke that for the last year our scouting couldn't find a better LB out there than a loan. Valle can be a good player for us, for sure, and my anger is not directed at him but this transfer just showes what is wrong with our recruitment.

Still looking forwars to see him play. The fact Barca doesn't want to sell him yet showes they have some belief in him and if he goes for 25m next summer to another club, at least it means we had a top LB with us and he improved the team considerably.

 

Has there been more clarity on the fee? Had read 2.5m in his contract but not a loan to buy?

 

No loan to buy but defo €3m release clause anyone can activate though

 

If you watch that video a couple posts up it says something about the release clause increasing up to maybe 6-8m there’s a few different clauses etc in his contracts

 

@Blochairnbhoy

 

Trawling the web for some comments on the dude and stumbled on the Barca Reddit page. Comment from last year some time had me tickled. The lad called him “an inanimate carbon rod.”

On the other hand and more recently like when it was announced, some Twitter dude couldn’t stop gushing over him.

 

Wee man is goanny absolutely maul * in this league, big fan of what GT brings to the table but this boy is another level. Hopefully see him get some minutes against the scum on Sunday

 

What was your reaction to the Champions League draw and the teams Celtic will play?

To be honest, I am really happy. It is a good draw in Europe. It is an opportunity to be competitive. If nothing else we will face it with hard work as always. I am happy to be here.

Is there any one game in particular that stands out for you?

No. At this moment I don't remember the group exactly but I have some friends in some of the teams.

Is this a group that you feel Celtic can be competitive and progress to the play-off stage?

Well, it is obvious that every team in the Champions League is there because they are really competitive. It will be very difficult but I think it is another group where we will have to work really hard to achieve qualification to another stage.


Is this part of the reason you wanted to come to Celtic?

Yes, of course. I have heard a lot about Celtic Park, the crowd, the fans. It is a really good environment here and I am looking forward to experiencing it in real life.

What was it about this move that appealed to you?

It's Celtic Football Club. It is a historic club that plays really good football and it is an attractive opportunity for me.

What can the Celtic fans expect from you and your style of play?


The only thing I can say is that I will work as hard as I can to try and play and learn new things every day. I will try to help out as well, especially my teammates, and anything I can do for them, I will do it.


Celtic have had quite a few games against Barcelona over the years. Do you remember watching any of those games when you were younger on the television? Have you spoken to anybody who played in those games?

I was maybe a bit too young for those matches! I’ve been watching Celtic in the Champions League for many years - 5/6 years. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity in the Champions League. I said before that it’s the best competition in the world. It will be amazing.

Have you watched video clips of Celtic Park on these nights as well?

Yes, when I was coming I was watching Celtic stuff that people in the club sent me. It’s really amazing.

What are your first thoughts about Celtic Park and your teammates?

I’ve been training for a couple of days. I’ve had a really warm welcome and everyone has been looking after me. I’ve got nothing bad to say.

A very big game this weekend. Are you ready to take part in that if selected?

I know what this game in Scotland is. I’m looking forward to living it.


Have some of your new teammates been telling you about that game?

The team works hard to win every week’s game. It’s a normal match.

Your loan spell at Levante, did it make you grow up and mature as a player and person?

Of course. I think that every year counts for me and it’s a step forward. My loan in Levante was very good and I learned a lot. I learned a lot in the second tier in Spain. Now we are here.

What have your coaches at Barcelona said about this move?

I had a good conversation with Hansi (Flick). It was a kind conversation and we talked about everything. I appreciate him as a manager

 

Seems a very intelligent guy, motivated and down to earth.

 

He’s going to be unreal isn’t he?

 

Correct