Transfer Centre

Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso 'given chance to return to Premier League'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 22 August 2023

Barcelona's Alonso 'given chance to return to Premier League'

An unnamed Premier League club are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso before the end of the summer transfer window.

Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for a club in the Premier League.

Last summer, Alonso brought his long-term association with Chelsea to an end to make the switch to Camp Nou, where he became an important member of Xavi's squad.

The 32-year-old was not necessarily expected to become a regular at Barcelona, yet he would end the season with 37 appearances to his name in all competitions.

Alonso also chipped in with three goals, but failed to provide a single assist - one of his strengths at Chelsea - courtesy of deputising in the middle of the defence rather than regularly featuring at left-back.

However, despite his status in the group during 2022-23, Alonso is yet to be registered for the current campaign due to Barcelona's ongoing financial issues.

Marcos Alonso in action for Barcelona on October 4, 2022 © Reuters

While there is the expectation that Alonso will eventually be added to Barcelona's La Liga roster, the Catalan giants have work to do in order to facilitate that addition.

Furthermore, new signing Inigo Martinez is another player who is in the same situation, and it is plausible that priority will be given to the former Athletic Bilbao defender ahead of Alonso.

According to journalist Gerard Romero, an unnamed Premier League have expressed an interest in offering Alonso a new home should matters not be resolved.

Although it is suggested that Alonso would prefer to remain at Barcelona, the Spain international is said to be 'evaluating' whether he should consider a transfer elsewhere.

Barcelona head coach Xavi on July 30, 2023 © Reuters

As it stands, Alex Balde is Barcelona's first-choice left-back and the youngster is expected to start the majority of fixtures this campaign.

In terms of central options, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia are all ahead of Alonso in the pecking order, with Martinez still to be added.

Alonso also has less than a year remaining on his contract, although Barcelona may prefer to retain his services due to his alleged low wages in comparison with the remainder of the squad.

Last season represented Alonso's first full season playing back in Spain's top flight after spells with Bolton Wanderers, Fiorentina and Chelsea.