FC Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso is rumored to be close to joining La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, as reported by Cadena SER. Alonso joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022 but has struggled to secure regular playing time under manager Xavi Hernandez. Despite being third in the left-back pecking order behind Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde in his first season, Alonso was expected to step up after Alba’s departure. However, injuries to both Alonso and Balde have hindered his progress, with Balde undergoing season-ending surgery in January.
Currently, right-back Joao Cancelo is filling in at left-back for Barcelona, with youngster Hector Fort also stepping up when needed. Cancelo recently missed a match against Atletico Madrid due to concerns over a potential heart condition, but these fears have since been alleviated. If both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid advance in the Champions League, they could potentially face each other in the semifinals, with the winner securing a spot in the Club World Cup. However, Alonso could have already made the switch to Atletico Madrid by then, as talks between the player and the club are said to be progressing positively.
With his contract set to expire on June 30, Alonso is free to negotiate with other clubs and may still have plenty to offer at the top level if he can maintain his fitness. At Atletico Madrid, Alonso would join the likes of manager Diego Simeone and potentially bolster their defensive lineup. The move would mark a significant departure for Alonso, who has spent most of his career in the Premier League with Chelsea before joining Barcelona. The opportunity to play for one of Spain’s top clubs and potentially compete for major trophies could be a motivating factor in Alonso’s decision to join Atletico Madrid.
While Alonso’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain, his potential move to Atletico Madrid could have far-reaching implications for both clubs. Barcelona may need to find a suitable replacement for Alonso in their squad, while Atletico Madrid could benefit from Alonso’s experience and defensive capabilities. The negotiations between Alonso and Atletico Madrid will likely be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike, with the outcome shaping the next phase of Alonso’s career. As the season progresses and the Champions League reaches its climax, Alonso’s transfer saga will likely continue to unfold, with the player’s decision having a lasting impact on the Spanish football landscape.
