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We knew it was coming for some six months. Marcos Alonso's contract was always set to expire this June and despite the fact that the Trotters made the left back an offer, his departure always seemed certain. After two years at the Reebok Stadium following a £2 million-plus move and 47 appearances in all competitions, Marcos Alonso is on the move.
The fullback with five Bolton goals to his name is now signing for Serie A side Fiorentina on a (mostly) free transfer. The rumor had always been that La Viola were offering the Spanish defender a healthy pay bump and can provide two things Bolton Wanderers simply cannot: top flight play and a chance in Europe. Fiorentina ended the 2012/13 Serie A campaign in fourth place, putting them into the Europa League qualifying spots.
Speaking in mid-April, Alonso's father (and agent), Marcos Alonso Peña, made no qualms about his son's much-rumored move:
"Yes, Fiorentina are very, very close to Marcos.
"We were in Florence for the first time in December, to speak with the Viola.
"But now Marcos wants to finish this season quietly with Bolton, trying to do his best professional job to bring the club into the Premier League."
Alonso had finally earned a consistent starting place in the Bolton lineup under Dougie Freedman and had shown the potential to really push on. His role could often be classified as a wing-back as opposed to the traditional left-back position. Alonso was very capable of getting forward and putting in crosses from the flank (or getting on the end of one) and would often take Bolton's free kicks, testing the goalkeeper on many occasions. His defending left a lot to be desired but had certainly improved over earlier appearances.
The move is official per Fiorentina's website and La Viola have welcomed him with a minute-long video
Bolton Wanderers have already found their Alonso replacement in Norwich City defender Marc Tierney.