Xabi Alonso Will Hand in Transfer Request

The News of the World claims Xabi Alonso’s agent met with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on Friday to inform is him of Alonso’s transfer wish.

Alonso's representative Inaki Ibanez has confirmed the player is ready to end his five-year stay at Liverpool.

The news will spark a bidding war with Real Madrid presidential candidate Florentino Perez having previously spoken about acquiring Alonso with a potential bid of £23 million.  

It’s difficult to figure out Perez’s actual targets as he has promised to bring an abundance of superstars to the Spanish capital.  The names along with Alonso include: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kaka, and David Villa. 

Other possible landing spots for Alonso may be Arsenal and Juventus, teams which previously expressed interest in Alonso along with Manchester City. 

Is allowing Alonso to leave in Liverpool’s best interest?

Benitez's relationship with Alonso has been rocky, possibly due to injuries and the game Alonso missed back in March 2008, to witness the birth of his first child.  It was the second leg of the Champions League tie against Inter Milan back in March 2008.

Last summer, Benitez attempted to sell him to raise the funds necessary to complete the transfer of Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.  Alonso stated his desire to remain at  Liverpool and did just that when the Barry deal fell apart.

He was perhaps Liverpool’s best player throughout the 2008-2009 season, while injuries kept Steven Gerard and Fernando Torres from playing to their full potential. 

After a tremendous season, Alonso still doesn’t feel wanted by Benitez, while the manager has continued his relentless pursuit of Barry.

It seems Alonso will rightfully request a transfer enabling Benitez to finally bring Barry to the Kop.

He would help fill the UEFA home-grown requirement stating teams must have eight British players in the squad. 

The move would help Benitez raise the funds to add an additional attacking option. 

Liverpool’s targets may include: Valencia winger David Silva, Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez and Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi all of whom the Reds have been previously linked with. 

Recently Liverpool has been rumored to place a 20 million euro offer for Lavezzi, though it was rejected by Lavezzi’s present club.

He has been donned the “New Maradona ” as most Argentine strikers are, though Lavezzi labeled himself the “New Carlos Tevez.”

Lavezzi seems to be a similar player with a lower price tag than fellow Argentine Tevez. He is versatile enough to play as a second striker or as a winger, giving the Reds another offensive threat and cover for Gerrard or Torres.  

Whether or not Lavezzi ends up in Liverpool it is likely an attacker will be added, though it will not ease the pain of losing a class midfielder in Alonso.

For Reds fans Alonso’s departure will be a say one, though all that can be done is wish him well and hope he doesn’t haunt Liverpool for years to come. 

Alonso’s departure alone will not doom Liverpool’s future; it will be their ability to get a replacement and additional players to improve the overall team that will determine their fate. 

Barry, Portsmouth full back Glen Johnson, and another attacker may put Liverpool in position to challenge Manchester United in the upcoming seasons. 

The funds from Alonso’s sale may help Benitez to obtain his final pieces en route to a Premiership title.  Though it will be up to Benitez to help Liverpool fans see Alonso's exodus was necessary to achieve greater success.