Revealed: Barcelona's Plan B to Chelsea's Alonso
Barcelona have been looking to add Marcos Alonso to their team, but have had complications in the transfer, forcing them to look for alternatives elsewhere.
The Blaugrana have been active in this transfer window, signing five players including Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, and want to add more.
However, they face complications in terms of their finances and ability to register players, and Kounde hasn’t yet made his La Liga debut due to that factor.
That is one of the reasons in the hold-up for the Alonso deal, but they’re now identifying other options, including Celta Vigo’s Javi Galan.
Barcelona identify Alonso alternative
Xavi is believed to be a fan 27-year-old left-back, who started off his career as a left-winger before dropping backwards and impressing there.
He joined Celta Vigo in 2021 after Huesca’s relegation for a bargain fee of €2 million, but Celta have now set a release clause of €18 million on him.
They are, however, willing to negotiate and according to reports from Spain, they would be willing to sell Galan for a fee between €10 million and €12 million.
Barcelona are still hoping to get Alonso, and could even be offered him in a deal that sees Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang go to Chelsea.
Nothing has changed about Marcos Alonso deal. Full, verbal agreement in place to join Barcelona but it won’t be completed until Jules Koundé is registered. It takes time. 🚨🇪🇸 #FCB
Alonso agreed personal terms with Barça four months ago, deal would be valid until June 2025. pic.twitter.com/bJQiHJCNIp— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2022
Thomas Tuchel has been eager to reunite with Aubameyang at Stamford Bridge having had a good relationship with him at Borussia Dortmund, and needs a forward to help his issues at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have offered Barcelona Alonso and a fee, and that offer is being evaluated as it helps them in more than one way, bolstering their squad while also giving them a player.
Xavi is not keen to sell Aubameyang having seen his impact in his short spell at the Camp Nou so far, but the right offer might change his mind as this transfer is set to carry into the final days of the window.