Xabi Alonso barely goes a summer without being linked with a return to Liverpool
1. Xabi Alonso
If a world class defensive midfielder such as Arturo Vidal is not brought in this summer, then another body is needed in midfield. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is unlikely to play every game this season, so the midfield should see a lot of rotation.
Therefore, if there is no Vidal-like player, there needs to be competition for Gerrard, with Joe Allen, Jordan Henderson and Emre Can contending for the other midfield positions. A cheap, short-term alternative could be former Anfield hero Xabi Alonso.
With the arrivals of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez at Real Madrid, Alonso looks surplus to requirements, while Real officials reportedly have concerns over Alonso’s weight loss. The Spanish giants may be persuaded to part with Alonso on a free given that he turns 33 in November, but a transfer fee of around £4m would be more likely as he has two years left on his contract.
Alonso remains one of Europe’s premier playmakers from deep and would be the perfect cover and competition for the captain.
Perhaps even his successor if Gerrard departs for America.
