Marcos Alonso was one of Barcelona’s two final-minute bets during the summer transfer window. The defender joined the club on deadline day, along with Hector Bellerin.
While Bellerin is yet to make an impression since returning to Camp Nou, Alonso has enjoyed a semblance of success. The full-back has proven to become highly useful for Xavi Hernandez, who has employed him in various different roles.
Since joining the club, the former Fiorentina star has featured in 12 competitive matches, offering excellent tactical versatility, experience and leadership at the back.
In light of his success, Toni Juanmarti claims Barcelona have begun the process of renewing the contract of Alonso.
The former Chelsea defender’s current deal at the club expires at the end of the season. At the time of signing, Barça wanted to offer him a longer contract, but due to Financial Fair Play regulations, they were only able to hand him a one-year deal.
But having been left impressed by the full-back’s performances, the club are willing to renew the deal for Alonso. What needs to be decided is whether the Catalans offer a one-year extension or include the option to extend the deal by one more year, in a 1+1 scheme.
All of it is subject to how the club manage to tackle the FFP regulations and generate revenue in the coming months.
Barcelona are already working on ways to balance the books, in an attempt to not only renew Alonso’s contract but also register the new contracts of Ronald Araujo and Gavi.
Alonso, for his part, wants to continue at Barcelona, but believes that he is within his right to demand a two-year contract after impressing at the club.
The defender is expected to meet with Mateu Alemany in January to discuss the terms of the new deal and finalise an agreement.