Like any soccer team on earth, Chelsea could use Xabi Alonso. Unlike most teams, the Blues have both the required resources and the desire to bring Alonso to Stamford Bridge.
Alonso will be a free agent after the 2013-14 season, and Chelsea is looking to land the Spanish schemer by offering him a contract in January, according to the London Evening Standard.
“The former Liverpool midfielder’s current deal at the Bernabeu expires in the summer and he will be able to sign a pre-contract with a non-Spanish club in January,” the reports says.
“The 31-year-old spent three years under [Chelsea manager Jose] Mourinho at Madrid and sources in Spain suggest he will be offered a three-year contract to move to west London.”
Alonso’s glittering career has seen him play for Eibar, Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. His clubs have won La Liga (Spainish first division), the Copa Del Rey (Spanish Cup), the FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League with him in the squad. He was also an integral part of Spain’s all-conquering teams at the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Simply put, he is one of the greatest players of his generation.
Real Madrid paid Liverpool £30 million ($48.2 million) for Alonso in 2009, and his overall excellence has made him a fan favorite at the Bernabeu. Yet, he could leave for free next summer, as negotiations over a two-year extension have reportedly either stalled or not yet started.
Alsonso hasn’t publicly expressed a desire to continue at Real Madrid beyond this season. Chelsea and Italian clubs Juventus and Fiorentina are thought to be among the clubs pursuing him. The hefty salary he would command shouldn’t scare interested teams, as he would arrive without a transfer fee.
A broken foot, which followed offseason groin and back surgeries, has kept Alonso out of Madrid’s lineup so far this season. It will take some time for him to recover his best form, but his tactical discipline, passing ability and winning mentality should be on display for the bulk of the season (barring another injury setback).
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Photo via Facebook/Xabi Alonso – Real Madrid
