But things have not been going according to plans for the Spanish defender this season and a parting of ways may just be around the corner.

Alonso unhappy with his role

Indeed, as per Luis F Rojo of MARCA, Marcos Alonso is unhappy with his limited role at Barcelona in the current season.

So far this term, the 32-year-old has played just 160 minutes in La Liga, which is considerably less than what he had done at this point last season.

Alejandro Balde has been the undisputed starter at left-back and the arrival of Inigo Martinez has meant Alonso has not been required at centre-back either, leaving him warming the benches more often than not.

Not happy with lack of minutes

Alonso signed a new contract with Barcelona earlier this year, committing his future until 2024 with an option to extend it by another 12 months.

At this point, however, such a possibility seems unlikely, with all signs pointing towards the Spaniard leaving Barcelona in the summer.

The possibility of an exit in January is not entirely off the table either, but Barça are unlikely to sanction any departure in the winter, while the player himself is not someone to make decisions in haste and he still believes he can play a part in Xavi’s plans.

As far as the summer is concerned, though, Alonso’s departure seems to be a given. There has been no talk about the Catalans offering him an extension and with the player also seeking more minutes, a separation of ways seems all but guaranteed.

Interestingly, Atletico Madrid have been mentioned as a possible destination for the veteran left-back.