Xavi Hernandez has reportedly blocked the proposed move to Manchester United for veteran Spanish defender Marcos Alonso.
According to German journalist Christian Falk, Marcos Alonso remains the subject of interest from Manchester United. But the 32-year-old will not join the Premier League heavyweights before the summer transfer window shuts down. Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has blocked the move for the veteran defender.
Marcos Alonso joined Barcelona from Chelsea on Deadline Day last summer after leaving the West London club as a free agent. The Blues accommodated his request to move to the Catalan outfit at no cost by terminating his contract. And the Spaniard has been a dependable performer for Barcelona in the last 12 months.
The 32-year-old has turned out 38 times thus far for Barcelona, chipping in with three goals. Alonso has been a dependable figure for the Blaugrana by playing as a centre-back and a left-back. But the ongoing transfer window has brought some uncertainties surrounding his Barcelona future, especially when the Catalan giants were struggling to register him in La Liga.
However, Alonso’s registration is complete, and he made his first appearance for Barcelona this past weekend. That has not stopped the speculation surrounding the player’s future. And recent reports have linked him with Manchester United.
The Red Devils are in the market for a short-term left-back solution after losing Luke Shaw to a muscle injury. The English international will miss several weeks, if not months, of action for Manchester United. In addition, Tyrell Malacia is on the sidelines due to a knee issue. So Erik ten Hag does not have any recognised senior left-back in his squad.
So it behoves Manchester United to invest in a left-back before the summer transfer window shuts down. Several candidates have thus emerged on their radar, including Alonso. And Manchester United recently approached Barcelona over a possible loan move. But Xavi Hernandez has blocked his transfer to Old Trafford.
The Barcelona manager still has the Spanish international in his plans. So, the Blaugrana will not entertain offers for the veteran defender. Meanwhile, the player wants to remain at the Catalan club. And it will be interesting to see who Manchester United will turn to after missing out on the former Chelsea full-back.
