Marcos Alonso: Ex-Chelsea defender set to leave Barcelona after two seasons

Former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is reportedly set to leave Spanish giant Barcelona as a free agent at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old's departure signifies a potential shift in the squad under new leadership.

Alonso has struggled for playing time this season due to a back injury that sidelined him for three months. Despite a solid debut campaign with 37 appearances and a LaLiga title win in 2022, his role has diminished significantly.

With manager Xavi expected to depart this summer, a significant clear out within the Barcelona squad is anticipated.

This suggests that Alonso, whose contract expires in June, falls outside the vision of the incoming manager.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Alonso will not be offered a contract extension and will leave Barcelona after spending just two years.

Fabrizio also reported that the future of another player, Sergi Roberto, remains uncertain.

Alonso spent a significant portion of his career in England, playing for Chelsea in six seasons, Bolton Wanderers, and Sunderland. He rose to prominence during Antonio Conte's reign at Stamford Bridge, becoming a world-class wing-back and contributing to a league title win.

However, with Conte's departure in 2018, Alonso's role at Chelsea diminished. Though he played regularly under Maurizio Sarri in the 2018-19 season, he was benched for crucial Europa League matches.

His playing time further decreased under Thomas Tuchel, despite their Champions League victory in 2021.