Marcos Alonso set for FC Barcelona exit as Atletico Madrid beckons

Signed in January 2023 on an 18-month contract with an option for an additional year, Alonso's tenure has been marred by injuries and limited playing time.

Alonso's contract extension depended on him playing in 50% of the matches this season. However, a persistent back injury and the rise of other players restricted him to just 299 minutes over seven appearances in all competitions.

Alejandro Balde has emerged as the first-choice left-back, with loanee Joao Cancelo as his main backup, pushing Alonso further down the pecking order.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Barcelona have decided not to retain Alonso beyond this season. Last year, Alonso made 37 appearances, showcasing his versatility by playing both as a left-back and a centre-back. This adaptability earned him an extension to his initial one-year deal.

However, this season began on a sour note as Alonso, 33, lost his place and then suffered a back injury that sidelined him from December to March. Since his return, he has yet to make an appearance.

As Alonso's contract expiration approaches, he is expected to remain in Spain, with Atletico Madrid emerging as a likely destination.

Reports from Cadena SER indicate that Alonso has already reached an agreement with Diego Simeone's side, although no official announcement has been made. A move to Atletico would see Alonso complete a unique career arc, having previously come through Real Madrid's academy and made a solitary appearance for Los Blancos in April 2010.

In addition to Alonso, Barcelona might also part ways with Sergi Roberto this summer. The versatile 32-year-old's future remains uncertain as his contract nears its end. Roberto's fate is believed to be linked to that of manager Xavi Hernandez, who is expected to leave at the end of the campaign.

Barcelona faces a summer of significant changes, and Alonso's departure is set to be one of the key moves in their transition.

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