One in, one out – Barcelona’s left-back plans for next season

An insight into the plans of the powers that be at Spanish giants Barcelona, for the club’s left-back ranks, has been provided this weekend.

And the info points towards one member of Xavi’s squad being in line for an exit, before being swiftly replaced by a graduate of the club’s academy setup.

As per a report from Diario Sport, Marcos Alonso looks all but certain to bring a close to his stint on Barca’s books this summer.

This comes ahead of the expiration of the former Chelsea man’s contract on June 30th.

And expressing a keen interest in snapping Alonso up, in turn, are another of La Liga’s heavyweights, in the form of Atlético Madrid.

So, just who is in line to replace the departing Spanish international in Catalunya’s capital?

This role looks set to be filled by a player whose name may not yet be too well known to many of a Barcelona persuasion.

Amid a stellar loan stint in Spain’s 2nd tier with Levante, youngster Álex Valle has been identified as boasting the necessary qualities to make the step up to the first-team ranks at Camp Nou next season.

The 19-year-old, as per Marca, is therefore in line to act as backup and competition for the currently sidelined Alejandro Balde.

Conor Laird | GSFN