Barcelona left-back set to move to Atletico Madrid on a free transfer

Marcos Alonso is one of many players likely to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, as the club brace themselves for a busy summer ahead.

Alonso’s current contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of the season and the player will not continue after a difficult season.

Alonso on track to join Atletico Madrid

While Barcelona will have their task cut this summer, Alonso appears to have already found his next destination in the form of Atletico Madrid.

According to Cadena SER (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the Barcelona veteran is on track to join Los Rojiblancos on a free transfer this summer. Both parties are currently in advanced talks and the move could come to fruition once the season ends.

The acquisition of Alonso will be a part of Atletico’s strategy of signing old, experienced players on a free transfer.

Alonso, for one, is not a new target for Atleti. The Spanish giants had targeted the veteran defender before he moved to England and were even interested when he was leaving Chelsea.

This is not the first time Atletico have roped in Barcelona players either. In the past, Diego Simeone’s team has signed the likes of Luis Suarez and Memphis Depay among others.

Alonso’s poor season at Barça

After initially impressing onlookers with his experience and versatility, Alonso’s influence in the first team has fallen rapidly this season.

The former Chelsea star is yet to even appear in 300 minutes of football this season, often struggling with injuries while falling behind others in the pecking order.

Barcelona, therefore, are unlikely to be fazed by the departure of Alonso. The club, though, may need to find a proper replacement in the market and fill the hole that will be left by the veteran defender this summer.