Barcelona are focused on ensuring they retain their assets as much as they are acquiring new ones. As per Mundo Deportivo, they are close to agreeing a renewal with Marcos Alonso.
The 32-year-old arrived the day after the transfer market closed on a free after leaving Chelsea, signing a new one-year deal. Alonso had signed just a one-year deal on lower terms in order to ensure that Barcelona could register him within their salary limit. Alonso did so under the understanding that he would be offered a new deal.
After getting the green light from Xavi Hernandez, talks began with Alonso’s agent and there are now only details to be sorted out. They say it will be a two-year deal, although some reports previously have said it may be a one-year deal with an option for a further season.
Since arriving, Alonso has played 12 games and scored one goal, rarely as a first option and sometimes covering in central defence. As Barcelona broke for the World Cup, it would not be unfair to say he was the third-choice left-back behind Alejandro Balde and Jordi Alba. Xavi has maintained that he is delighted with Alonso’s contribution though, and appreciates his versatility in the backline.
