Barca hold Alonso liking

[matycowling1007]

Reports emanating from the Spanish press continue to intimate that Barcelona are eager to land Xabi Alonso in the close season.

Despite still sitting atop of La Liga, all is not thought to be well at the reigning champions, with internal wrangling said to be at the root of a problem that has spread to a disenchanted dressing room.

With the previously untouchable Ronaldinho the subject of fierce criticism and the futures of both manager Frank Rijkaard and star striker Samuel Eto'o seemingly up in the air, it could be an interesting pre-season that ensues.

It has been suggested that there could be big changes at the Catalan giants in the summer and it is believed Liverpool star Alonso is a player the club want as the heartbeat of their midfield.

Alonso has proved to be one of the Premiership's more successful imports since arriving at Anfield from Real Sociedad and almost certainly, Rafa Benitez would be loath to sanction his departure.

His existing contract runs until June 2009 and it seems likely any bids from Barca would be resisted, especially given the club's healthy financial footing following the recent takeover.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=450218&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=&title=Barca+hold+Alonso+liking

Is it true in the summer Xabi can buy the remainder of his contract out and move anywhere he wants ?

[AFII]

Yes, he can do that.

[captainfog]

can't see that happening though. They can want him all they like but Alonso will be with us for at least another couple of years I reckon. He appears happy, plus there is the added incentive of the yank takeover, after all, why wouldn't you hang around to see what happens to the club - at this stage we are lead to believe that anything is possible

[AFII]

Reports in the Spanish press and media continue to suggest that FC Barcelona are very keen to land Basque player Xabi Alonso for next season.
During the summer, it is sure that some high profile player´s will arrive at the Camp Nou and Xabi Alonso could be one of them.

Former legend and adviser of Barca president Joan Laporta, Johan Cruyff, already suggested a bigger change at FC Barcelona and Xabi Alonso is definetely one of the player´s that caught the eye of Barca´s technical staff and was already on the list before he was transferred to Liverpool.

With Edmilson out of form and Thiago Motta not really seen as the first choise to anchor the midfield, Spain international Xabi Alonso could be the man.

Alonso´s current contract runs until June 2009 and it would not be easy to lure him away from Liverpool. But being a spanish player, his overall target will be to play for one of the big teams in La Liga. As a Basque, his favourable choice will probably FC Barcelona.

FC Barcelona is in an excellent financial position and being a football club and not a bank, Barca could probably provide the money needed to take him to Camp Nou.

http://www.fcbarcelonablog.com/fcbar.../23/title_1043

[Angry Dan]

How old is he I thought that only applied to people over the age of 28

[thesilverfoxlfc]

Im sure they arent the only ones taking a liking. He's still young and there are exciting times at Liverpool now. I think he'll stay he loves it here

[anfieldanfield]

I'd sell for anything over 15m.

[livvy145]

I'd sell for anything over 15m.

Would you swap him for any of their players?

[captainfog]

I'd sell for anything over 15m.

I think that is slightly undervaluing him. £20m and i'd consider because you would get decent replacement for him.

Would rather he stayed though, if only to keep the team reasonably consistant. Too much change will push us back a little as we will be back in that whole situation of needed to wait for half the team to bed in.

[Dessy]

Would you swap him for any of their players?

Messi....but you've got no chance me thinks

[thesilverfoxlfc]

I'd sell for anything over 15m.

He'll only get better, but its true what they say the graveyard is full of men that are dispensible so im sure we would cope without him.

Id swap him for Eto,Xavi or Márquez

[brikkis]

I'd sell for anything over 15m.

Your very repetitive AA. Your also insane

[memzey]

I'd sell for anything over 15m.

If £18m gets you Carrick, who can only aspire to be the player Alonso is, his financial value must be around or above the £20m mark (not that I'd sell him mind).

[thesilverfoxlfc]

If £18m gets you Carrick, who can only aspire to be the player Alonso is, his financial value must be around or above the £20m mark (not that I'd sell him mind).

Welcome Memzey

Agree with you would sell him but if it did ever happen 205 mill +

[Taffy]

I wouldn't sell Xabi, full stop!

By the looks of things with his comments over recent months he seems settled here anyway, and I believe Rafa is a huge admirer of Xabi and wouldn't want to sell at all.

I can see Alonso with us for a fair few years yet!