http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-look-to-tie-up-free-transfer-for-real-madrid-star-xabi-alonso-in-january-8910535.html

 

Got to say, this would excite me, and it's a very real possibility IMO.

 

When the rumours first surfaced Benitez was in charge and many of us were averse to another former dipper joining us, me included.

 

However, apparently Alonso was a vociferous supporter of Jose's during his last few tortured months in Madrid, and he also fell out with Benitez before he left Liverpool. Those are two huge pluses for me.

 

We all know Jose likes to bring in one or two he's worked with previously.

 

We need a midfielder, preferably one that sits and one that can keep possession and dictate the tempo a little bit. This would benefit the team hugely and Ramires in particular.

 

Alonso has experience, he's a serial winner, and he has a pretty impressive beard.

 

On the downside, he and Lampard have a bit of history, but I'm sure that can be smoothed out.

 

He's going to turn 32 next month so he won't particularly stifle the development of Chalobah for example, he's a Sagittarius and he loves his mum.

 

Over 100 caps for Spain which can't be bad.

 

Ticks a lot of boxes for me, this one.

 

I've spoken to Jose and we're on the same page.

Article says for next summer when his contract has expired not a January move. 

 

Can not see the club offering a 32 year old a three year contract personally.

 

Apparently Alonso has always said he would never play for another English team other than Liverpool, how true to his word he is who knows.

 

Good player no question but I can't see it happening. 

Edited October 29, 201312 yr by ForeverCarefree

It's the lead sports story in today's Standard ..

 

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/the-perfect-signing-why-xabi-alonso-could-be-chelseas-andrea-pirlo-8910747.html

Article says for next summer when his contract has expired not a January move. 

 

 

Oops, my bad.

 

Got a bit ahead of myself there.

 

Edit: Maybe a mod can change the title of the thread.

 

Double edit: The second article I posted suggests it might be January.

Edited October 29, 201312 yr by Davey Baby

If we could get him on an 18 month contract come January then I would say go for it but it could potentially spell the end of Lampard's time at Chelsea if it were to happen. 

The 'Magic Sign' have withdrawn the book in Spain on 'Alonso to Chelsea'

I can see this happening, there is no doubt Frankie Lampard is coming to the

end of his Chelsea career. Despite him playing on a regular basis as a deep holding

midfielder his influence in games as an attacking threat is diminishing.

This was further enhanced by Jose's decision to withdraw him for Mikel, allowing

Ramires to bomb forward.

Alonso can pick a pass better than anyone with the game in front of him.

Some might say Torres has never been the same since Alonso fed him like spaghetti.

Think his experience would be something Jose would like, a Pirlo Alonso would be.

He would go back to Pool I reckon

I dont think there is much to this story.

Maybe not quite relevant but Alonso, minus his Hollywood balls, has always struck me as a Carrick type of midfielder (though obviously better in in his prime) - lacking the nimble footwork in tight areas and influence going forward of a Gundogan or a Modric, nor does he genuinely create from deep in the ilk of Pirlo. What he does do well is recycle possession, passing the ball into the right places at the right times and always making himself available as an outlet. His accurate long-balls are a bonus.

 

As FC says I certainly wouldn't be averse to a shorter contract; he offers qualities very different from any other player in our team at the moment.

Edited October 30, 201312 yr by Teritus

Great player, hates Lampard, we'll see.

He dislikes Lampard because of that 'red card' tackle which wasn't a red card.

Eto'o said he would never play for Chelsea but here he is. So anything is possible.

He dislikes Lampard because of that 'red card' tackle which wasn't a red card.

No, it was a year or two before that, when Alonso broke his leg in a Lamps' tackle. I'm pretty sure it was a total accident.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1133530/The-truth-Lampard-Alonso--Chelsea-star-Frank-warned-fireworks-time-advantage-Liverpool-man.html

 

 

it was a foul and I got booked, so I am not trying to plead innocence, but it was a tap, it wasn’t anything nasty; the sort of tackle that happens all the time, both ways.

'That night, when I heard how it had worked out, I felt very bad and phoned to apologise but he wouldn’t really have it and ever since he has that look in his eye when we meet, and there is always a bit of jostling and shoving.'

 

Edited October 30, 201312 yr by Backbiter

Far too many reasons for us not to sign him.

 

He's a decent players and can hit a great pass but I've also seen him be very Stevie Me like and go for that Hollywood pass too often and waste it. When watching Madrid play he often looks their weakest link. We're building for the future and he's nearly 32 and Lamps clearly doesn't like him so NO!!

NO

^ I'll put you down as a maybe.

I've said it before: a young alonso would be the perfect partner for ramires.

 

alonso as he is now... who knows?

 

short term signings aren't a terrible thing and he'd be useful as a squad player at the very least.

But what about pissing off Lamps?  I don't think the plusses outweigh the minuses, not by a long shot.

I've spoken to Jose.

 

Jose will talk to Lamps.

 

Lamps will talk to Xabi.

 

Xabi will talk to me.

 

I'll talk to you.

 

Problem solved.

It's good to talk, what can I tell ya ?

It's still a No.

I think hed be a good addition to the team

It's still a No.

How about now?

What is it about ex Chelsea players going to Liverpool and vice versa lol

Would rather get Pirlo on a short deal personally.