Since Manchester United have been crying out for a little more midfield creativity for the last couple of seasons, I’m surprised that they haven’t turned their attention to Xabi Alonso sooner.
The Spaniard’s Real Madrid contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and the acceptance of new terms doesn’t seem to be any closer. There’s a good chance that Alonso will be available as a free transfer by the time that summer rolls by.
Now what a bargain that would be! Of course, Real Madrid may still be keen to sell him during the January transfer window, when they’ll still make some kind of return. Either way, United should be keeping tabs.
According to The Star, Manchester United are ready and willing to challenge Chelsea for his signature in the upcoming transfer windows. It looks like the former Liverpool man could be on his way back to the Premier League soon enough.
Whilst Chelsea are spoiled for choice when it comes to their midfield (consider all this season’s drama with Juan Mata, for instance), Manchester United have a desperate need in this area.
The win over Arsenal, and the victories leading up to that result have papered over the cracks at Old Trafford. With the likes of Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Shinji Kagawa pulling the strings, the Red Devils midfield is too stilted and ineffectual to guide the club to Premier League glory.
They need to bring in somebody to shake things up. What they really need, is somebody who is world-class and would make an instant impact.
Alonso certainly ticks those boxes. He’s got former Premier League experience and he’s still one of the best passers in the world. He could be exactly what United need.
At 31-years-old, he’s not exactly a spring chicken. But the key parts of his game don’t rely on pace. This is a player who could potentially keep going until his late thirties.
Signing Alonso would also provide David Moyes with an opportunity to get one over on Liverpool. The Spaniard became something of a club hero whilst at Anfield, and they’ll certainly be disappointed to see him move to a rival side.
If he’s available for a cut-price fee this January, I can’t help but hope that the Red Devils swoop in.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United be teeing up a deal to sign Xabi Alonso?
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