Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso may leave the club this summer, with the Spaniard currently unregistered and no longer necessary within the squad.
That’s according to AS, who have revealed that whilst Xavi is happy with the 32-year-old’s performance levels, the club’s financial situation means that the wage bill needs to be cut, and Alonso is now on the chopping block.
With Alejandro Balde the first-choice left-back and Joao Cancelo set to arrive, there is plenty of cover within Alonso’s position should he leave. He did play at centre-back a lot last season, but the arrival of Inigo Martinez has meant that there is no need for him to provide extra cover in the middle.
The report from AS has claimed that Xavi is “satisfied” with Alonso, who made 37 appearances across all competitions last season, but given that an exit will be financially beneficial, he could be sacrificed despite previously agreeing to stay for this season.
Is Alonso needed at Barcelona?
Despite the loss of Jordi Alba, Barcelona now have enough depth to cope should Alonso leave. Balde has been sensational at left-back, and the veteran is nowhere near his physical level, despite playing a very attacking role from the position at Chelsea.
Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Martinez and Eric Garcia are all available as centre-back options, and Cancelo’s ability to play at left-back means that Alonso is no higher than a third-choice option in any position.
Given the club’s poor financial position, and the fact that they are struggling to register Alonso right now, a departure makes sense for all parties, even though it means Xavi will be losing an experienced defender.
A return to the Premier League or a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia may appeal to the former Spain international, and removing his salary from the wage bill could be significant for the club.