One of the contract situations to keep an eye on this summer is Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. The Spain World Cup winner turned down a contract extension last summer with his current deal set to run out in 2014.
It is suggested that the midfielder is waiting to see whether Jose Mourinho stays at the Bernabeu or not, before deciding to put pen to paper or get his coat. But it seems 99 per cent likely that the coach will depart.
The other factor would have been the outcome of Real Madrid’s hunt for ‘La Decima’ (10th Champions League final) which could also have a bearing on his decision. Barring a miracle, Real have fallen at the semi-final stage again which could convince Alonso to start afresh elsewhere.
And from Real’s point of view, Alonso is approaching the age of 32 and they may decide to cut their losses, given their penchant for casting stalwarts aside without so much of a backward glance.
But if he does leave, the Premier League is sure to be a prime destination for him to try to end his career on a high.
Liverpool
Until Rafa Benitez decided that he would actively pursue the vastly inferior Gareth Barry during the summer of 2008, Alonso had been settled at Anfield and had enhanced his already-burgeoning reputation by winning the Champions League, FA Cup and becoming one of the best midfielders in England.
Perhaps it was no surprise that Liverpool collapsed completely from title challengers in 2008/09 to seventh place in the 2009/10 season after Alonso had departed for Real Madrid.
Steven Gerrard, his midfield partner for so long, said he was devastated by the €30 million return to Spain, and it has been indicated that Alonso only left due to tension with Benitez.
Alonso, who occasionally returns to watch the Reds at Anfield, may be tempted to reconnect with Liverpool’s fans next season. But whether a move occurs will depend on Brendan Rodgers’ plans, Alonso's age and the potential transfer fee.
Under the FSG’s ownership, the Reds have focused on bringing in younger players, while a price tag of €15 – 20 million may be prohibitive.
Rodgers would also have to tweak the midfield with Alonso suited to an energetic and hard-running midfield partner in the Sami Khedira or Javier Mascherano mould.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has been tasked with the holding role in Arsenal’s midfield over the last two years but there would be no question that his childhood friend and former Real Sociedad academy team-mate would be an upgrade.
Alonso nearly joined Arsenal when he left Liverpool in 2009 and has been linked with the Gunners again.
Like Liverpool, the fee and Alonso’s age could be prohibitive but Real Madrid’s most prolific tackler according to the stats, would prove to be a more natural holding player than Arteta, added to his experience and leadership ability.
Chelsea
The Blues have also been linked with Alonso but the eventuality of a transfer to Stamford Bridge is harder to predict given the uncertainty at the club.
If Rafa Benitez had remained in charge, a move could have been ruled out assuming their relationship has not cooled since 2009.
But if Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini, who managed him in the 2009/10 season before being unceremoniously sacked by Real Madrid, becomes the next Chelsea manager, that could pave the way for Alonso’ arrival.
But there could be a vacancy in the Blues 4-2-3-1 with Frank Lampard – who has no love lost for the Basque midfielder - set to leave and John Obi Mikel not entirely secure in his position.
