Official: Barcelona register Marcos Alonso with La Liga

Shortly after Marc-Andre ter Stegen renewed his contract at Barcelona, the club have made another crucial step in terms of squad-building.

Indeed, Barcelona have now registered Marcos Alonso to their La Liga squad, marking another important step as they look to finalise the team for the season.

Ter Stegen’s renewal played a key role

Barcelona were able to register Alonso without being able to sanction the sale of Clement Lenglet or any of the attackers.

This is because the club were able to make economic provision through the renewal of Ter Stegen, who made some important financial sacrifices in order to continue his spell at Camp Nou.

Thanks to Ter Stegen’s lowered terms, Barcelona were able to free up their wage budget, which in turn, allowed them to register Alonso.

Barcelona are now only left with the task of registering Inaki Pena from the existing set of players, while the club are also working round the clock to finalise the deal for Joao Cancelo.

How will Xavi utilise Alonso this season?

Alonso was closely linked with a move away from Barcelona for the majority of the month.

The full-back’s uncertain future at Camp Nou had even put several European clubs on red alert. But Barcelona ultimately made a call to keep hold of the player.

It appears coach Xavi wanted Alonso to remain in the team, and utilise him as the main alternative for Alejandro Balde in the left-back position.

In fact, some reports overnight claimed that the 19-year-old had picked up a niggle and was doubtful to feature against Villarreal, which made Alonso’s registration a priority for Barça.

The former Chelsea star can also be an option in the left-sided centre-back position, though Barcelona have roped in Inigo Martinez for the same role.

With Alonso registered, it remains to be seen when Barça will finalise the registration of Inaki Pena, the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.