Xabi Alonso- Real Madrid
Alonso has long been regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the world and has been a key part of Spain’s success at international level. At Real Madrid, Alonso was one of Jose Mourinho’s key players and the two are known to have had a good relationship during the Portuguese coaches three years in Madrid. However, things could be about to change for Alonso with Mourinho’s departure to Chelsea. At 31, Alonso is getting into the twilight of his career and Madrid have seen that. Already the club have signed two young central midfielders this summer in Isco and Asmir Illarramendi. The signing of Illarramendi is interesting as the former Real Sociedad midfielder is seen as a direct replacement for Alonso. The experienced Spaniard may longer get a starting spot in the Madrid first team, putting his participation at next summers World Cup at risk. Alonso may need to move in order to get plenty of game time and reports suggest that the midfielder could be heading back to the Premier League, with former club Liverpool and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea thought to be interested.