Xavi blocks Barcelona veteran’s transfer to Manchester United – report

An array of FC Barcelona players have been linked with exits in the final days of the summer transfer window.

With the intention of disposing of fringe assets and clearing some breathing space in the wage bill, Barça are looking to secure some more departures.

However, Marcos Alonso, who was one of the players garnering interest from Manchester United and was seemingly one of the players on his way out, has been denied the opportunity to leave.

Xavi insists on Alonso’s continuity

Indeed, according to Christian Falk, Xavi has told the veteran left-back that he is not allowed to leave and join forces with Manchester United this summer.

In light of the Red Devils’ interest in acquiring a replacement for the injured Luke Shaw, Alonso was one of the players shortlisted by them.

With his experience in the Premier League and versatility in the back three, Manchester United wanted to raid Barcelona for Alonso, having even offered him a two-year contract.

However, with Xavi standing in the way of a potential departure, the likelihood of him leaving has significantly dropped.

Furthermore, Alonso has also shown a preference to stay put in Catalonia and succeed with the Blaugrana.

Why Xavi may want to retain his man

At 32 years of age, Alonso is not getting any younger, and thus the player is losing prominence as the years go by.

But Xavi has invariably trusted the Spanish international, with Barcelona and Alonso having reached an agreement for the player to extend his contract until June 30, 2024.

Barcelona have often suffered injuries in the defensive department, and thus Alonso’s ability to hold out narrow leads as a centre-back and ability to fill in as the full-back may prove appealing for the coach.

The player was recently registered in La Liga and is currently considered a backup option at left-back behind Alejandro Balde.