Barcelona’s start to the season has been mixed, with one win and one draw in the bag from their first two La Liga fixtures.
Considering that the very registration of players was unclear 24 hours before the kickoff of the league opener, the Catalans do not stand in bad light.
Yet, there are some names in the squad who are yet to be registered with the league. One such individual is Marcos Alonso.
The former Chelsea star signed an extension with the club until June 2024 in January this year and saw his wages increase as part of the same. The hike in salary is said to be the primary hurdle behind the delay in his registration.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish defender has complete faith in Barcelona and does not contemplate an exit this summer.
Moreover, Xavi Hernandez is satisfied with the Spaniard’s contribution and hopes to have his services this season.
Aston Villa are interested
It did not take long for news of Alonso’s stalled registration to reach England. According to reports earlier this week, Aston Villa are keeping an eye on the veteran’s situation and hope to pounce if an opportunity arises.
Further, he has also attracted serious interest from Saudi Arabia where multiple teams are said to be eyeing his availability.
Given the player’s desire to stay and Xavi’s satisfaction with him, however, a move this summer appears complicated.
Far from a starting option
Despite being initially signed as a left-back reinforcement, Alonso spent most of last season covering at centre-back.
With Inigo Martinez joining hands with Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo, however, he will find it difficult to see minutes at centre-back this term.
Instead, one would expect the defender to cover at left-back. Alejandro Balde is clearly Xavi’s favoured option, but the departure of Jordi Alba leaves Alonso as the best-placed backup option.
