Last summer’s drama involving the possible transfer of Gareth Barry was a very painful period for Liverpool supporters. None of us- and I mean NONE of us- wanted us to see Xabi Alonso leave the club, and this was the inevitable conclusion had Barry been brought in. It was a summer that undoubtedly unsettled Xabi, and clearly it must be weighing on his mind again. The difference this time, though, is that the potential move away isn’t to Arsenal or Juventus, but back to Spain to play for Real Madrid. This is perhaps a larger temptation for Alonso. Which is worrysome, I’m not going to lie.
The media definitely blows most stories out of proportion, but the one regarding Alonso is not disappearing. If anything, it has gained momentum. Fortunately, the quotes coming from the Liverpool camp are things such as “he’s not for sale,” or “he is essential to our style of play,” or “Real Madrid are not even close to match our valuation for the player.” Quotes from the Real Madrid camp are just as down on the possibility of a move, stating things like, “we want him, but Liverpool are pricing us out of it.” If we are pricing them out of it, we must be asking for 50 mil, because it seems as if money really isn’t an issue to them having spent 58 mil on Kaka and 80 mil on Ronaldo.
Am I worried that he will go? Definitely. Do I think it will happen? I’m not sure, but it is becoming increasingly unlikely with each story that comes out. Sadly, though, any joy about signing Johnson from Portsmouth is being clouded by news of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano’s links to Spanish clubs. Naturally the hot commodities will be linked with moves away, but losing Xabi Alonso is something that is feasable from the point of view of the player. It is his homeland, and he surely would like a chance to force his way into the starting XI for Spain on a consistent basis. The best way to do that would probably be to star for Real Madrid. And this is why I get a wee bit anxious about it all. Without saying, he needs to come out and categorically say, “Hell no, I won’t go!” Until then, I am going to be biting my fingernails.
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