Xabi Alonso
One of the finest midfield playmakers in the game for much of the last decade, Xabi Alonso is now seen as being past his peak for Real Madrid, and is one of the five names set to go on the transfer list this season. With Carlo Ancelotti said to be targeting an improvement to his midfield options by pursuing the likes of Chelsea’s Ramires and Juventus’ Arturo Vidal, there simply doesn’t seem to be any room for Alonso in the side anymore.
The Spanish international is currently out injured, but that won’t put off the likes of Chelsea and his former side Liverpool from making offers for him this January. The 31-year-old would make an excellent addition to the Reds in particular, who never truly replaced his influence in the middle of the park when he left Anfield in 2009.
Juventus are also said to be interested as they themselves face the potential departure of midfield veteran Andrea Pirlo, for whom Alonso would represent a like-for-like replacement.