Barcelona will not extend 33-year-old defender’s contract after this summer, will look for a ‘free or loan’ replacement

Barcelona have a massive job on their hands ahead of the summer as they look to clear out several players from the team in what should be the final transfer window of their rebuild under Xavi.

There will be a few players, like Clement Lenglet, Eric Garcia, and Sergino Dest, returning from their respective loan spells, who will need to be shipped off permanently to remove them from the wage bill.

Meanwhile, there are a few expiring contracts, too. Sergi Roberto, for example, will likely be renewed on Xavi’s advice, as per reports. Others, like Marcos Alonso, may not be as lucky.

Off on a Bosman move

A report from SPORT has suggested that Barcelona have already taken their final decision regarding Alonso, and have decided against renewing his contract beyond this summer. The player will leave on a Bosman move.

He was brought in from Chelsea in an ‘unofficial’ exchange deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and has not made much of a difference with the blaugranes.

He played 24 games last season, alternating between left-back and centre-back, but has been reduced to just four appearances so far this season. This is largely due to the arrival of Joao Cancelo and Inigo Martinez, but also Alonso’s own injury issues.

The Spaniard picked up a back injury in early December, and underwent surgery to treat it. He has been sidelined since then, and is not expected to be back until mid-February.

Free replacement

Barcelona do not intend to splash too much cash on reinforcing the left-back spot, and will be looking to sign a player on a free transfer or on loan to replace Alonso and serve as Alejandro Balde’s deputy.

Real Betis’ Juan Miranda is among left-backs with an expiring contract at the end of this season, but he seems to be heading to AC Milan. Elsewhere, Fulham’s right-back Kenny Tete could be an option alongside Atletico Madrid’s Mario Hermoso.