It has been a tough summer for the big four in the Premier League as richer teams have came in and taken some of their best players. That happened again today with the news that Liverpool have finally reached an agreement with Real Madrid that will see Xabi Alonso move to the Bernabeu for a fee believed to be in the region of €35m
A statement on Liverpool’s website confirmed:
“Liverpool Football Club this evening confirmed they had reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical. The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed.”
Alonso has signed a four-year deal with Real Madrid that will earn him an after-tax salary of between £70,000 and £80,000 a week. With the deal, Alonso became Madrid’s eighth signing of the season and their summer spending has now reached more than £220m.
Alonso will be a big loss for Liverpool, who are looking to close the gap on bitter rivals Manchester United. Only Chelsea, out of the big four, have been able to resist the transfer money being offered by Real Madrid or Manchester City this summer. That might be the difference between finishing first or second in the Premier League this season.