FORMER CELTIC LEGEND PETER GRANT CRITICIZES DUNDEE UNITED AND SPFL OVER TICKET HIKE WHICH CAUSES CELTIC FAN ISSUES

You could argue that it didn’t go the way Brendan Rodgers wanted it to; in fact, it didn’t, with Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit stealing the headlines.

Added to the fact that Celtic didn’t sign another striker, so it left the champions-elect short in the goalscoring department.

But perhaps one deal that went under the radar was the club’s call to cut short Alex Valle’s season-long loan spell from Barcelona.

The 20-year-old came in during the summer, performed outstandingly well, but then talk of Kieran Tierney returning emerged during the winter, and the Spanish youngster left.

Since then, Valle has joined Cesc Fabregas in Italy’s top-tier at FC Como on a short-term loan deal, and it’s fair to say that things are going from strength to strength.

• READ MORE: Cesc Fabregas hails Celtic after signing Alex Valle on loan for Como from Barcelona

Alex Valle set for permanent transfer to FC Como from Barcelona after Celtic exit

Remember, Valle was a player Celtic didn’t expect to lose, but he did depart, and then the club scrambled to bring in Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day.

But, for Valle himself, things seem to be looking on the up, because he seems to be winning over a lot of people at FC Como.

Fabrizio Romano has posted on social media how Valle is set for a ‘permanent’ transfer to Cesc Fabregas’ side, with the left-back seen as a ‘key part’ of the club’s plans.

‘Understand Como are set to trigger €6m release clause for Alex Valle to sign him on permanent deal from Barcelona,’ wrote Romano.

‘Intention and plans clear on club side as they’re set to offer Valle a long term deal. He’s key part of Cesc Fabregas plans at the club.’

Valle’s stats at Celtic compared to FC Como

You just wonder if Celtic could have secured Valle’s talents, for that rumoured £5 million fee, and seen him as the one competing alongside Tierney.

Not only would he have typically matched Celtic’s model, in regards to having a re-sale value, but he was looking the part during his time in Glasgow.

Nonetheless, Valle is now shining for FC Como, who, for a newly-promoted side, and yes, they have pumped money into the club, are sitting 12th in the table, 14 points clear of safety, and four points off the top ten.