I was really surprised to read that Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso has turned down a two-year contract extension at the club. A move that should see the Spanish midfielder leave the Bernabeu next summer.
The decorated veteran, he has won the World Cup, European Championship, La Liga and the Champions League, has only two years left on his current Real Madrid contract.
But with Jose Mourinho having an incredible array of talent in midfield, Alonso might feel that at 30-years-old that his place at Real Madrid will come under pressure in the next couple of years and that he does not want to site on the bench.
The big question for Alonso is where does he go after Real Madrid? He will be welcomed back with open arms at Liverpool while other top English sides Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal may also be tempted to make an offer
Another option is Alonso’s boyhood side Real Sociedad, who would love their former captain to return and finish his career.
Finally there is Italy, which would be a new league for Alonso. Next summer Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo will be 34 and Alonso would appear to be a like-for-like replacement for the Juve star.