Chelsea have confirmed the departure of Marcos Alonso on a free transfer, with the left-back expected to join Barcelona imminently.
The Blues brought in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona on Deadline Day and Alonso's move to Camp Nou was arranged as part of the negotiations, but his signing was not completed before the deadline.
Instead, Chelsea confirmed that Alonso had left the club by mutual consent, meaning he can join Barcelona as a free agent even though the transfer window has closed.
Numerous sources report that Alonso's move to Barcelona will be made official on Friday, with personal terms already agreed well in advance and the left-back already in Spain to undergo a medical.
The Blaugrana brought in Hector Bellerin from Arsenal on Thursday evening, registering him with La Liga just two minutes before the window closed, but they could not get the deal for Alonso finalised in time and have instead worked with Chelsea on this creative measure to ensure everybody gets their wish.
For 31-year-old Alonso, it brings an end to his six-year association with Chelsea which yielded 212 appearances, 29 goals and 23 assists, as well as one Premier League title and a Champions League triumph.
Source : 90min