EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso in talks with Atletico Madrid

Jacque Talbot

• 7 Nov 2023 05:55 CST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Marcos Alonso is in talks with Atletico Madrid over a move in 2024, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The defender is on the verge of being released from Barcelona, who have an option to extend his contract that ends in June.

We are told that Atletico have shown an interest in the former Chelsea player and are willing to offer a year’s deal.

Alonso's transfer to Barcelona has encountered difficulties since his arrival in the summer of 2022 from Chelsea.

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Despite Barcelona having the option to extend his contract, Alonso's performance has left them feeling reluctant. The former Bolton man has started just two La Liga games this season and was even substituted at half-time in one of them, replaced by the 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.

Although Alonso's current contract with Barcelona runs until the end of the season, it appears that the club is leaning towards not exercising their option to extend it, while the final decision is expected to be made after the January transfer window closes in a few months.

Even if Barcelona wished to retain him, Alonso would likely need to accept a significant reduction in his salary.

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Despite regularly featuring in the previous season, the 32-year-old Alonso has fallen out of favor with manager Xavi this term - and academy product Alejandro Balde being preferred in the left-back role.

Alonso is not the only player facing a potential exit at the end of the season. Sergi Roberto's contract also expires in June and is not believed to get a new one.