Barcelona are 100% counting on exit-linked defender for next season

In a major update, Toni Juanmarti has claimed that Barcelona are fully counting on Marcos Alonso for the next season amid recent reports linking him with an exit.

Alonso joined Barça only last summer, arriving as a free agent after Chelsea agreed to terminate his contract. Brought in as an added reinforcement at left-back, the Spaniard has ended up playing as a centre-half more often than not this season.

And, in his limited appearances, Alonso has won over the trust of manager Xavi Hernandez. So far, the 32-year-old has played 30 matches for Barcelona in all competitions, even chipping in with three goals in the process.

Having signed only a one-year contract upon arrival, Alonso recently penned a new extension that keeps him at Barça until 2024 with an option of an additional twelve months.

However, earlier this week, it was reported that the former Chelsea ace could be allowed to leave because of the Catalans’ financial situation.

Alonso’s agent, Fali Ramadani, had a meeting with the club officials recently to discuss his future, with offers already understood to be on the table.

But, Toni Juanmarti has now denied that Barcelona are considering selling Alonso in the summer. The journalist states that the club’s sports management team and the coaching staff are 100% counting on him for the next season.

The player, for his part, also remains keen on continuing at Barça, amid potential interest from Inter Milan.

With both parties keen on continuing their partnership beyond the current season, it seems like Alonso will not be sold at the end of the season.

However, it does raise questions over Jordi Alba’s future as he could be relegated to the position of the third-choice left-back next season.

Indeed, with Barcelona signing Inigo Martinez, Alonso would likely move to his natural full-back position, which would push Alba further down the pecking order.