It has been the longstanding transfer saga of the summer. The move has always looked likely to be going ahead, with the only doubt being how much Real Madrid would pay to secure the services of Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso. With two massive transfer already under their belts in the form of ex-Manchester United and Milan stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, Alonso will today complete a further mega deal in a move expected to earn Liverpool £30 million.

It marks a small bittersweet victory for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, with Madrid for long periods of the summer refusing to meet his asking price. With Madird relenting, Benitez can console himself with the injection of £30 million into his transfer funds. Potential replacements include Juventus’ Christian Poulsen and Roma’s Alberto Aquilani.

Liverpool fans will not have wanted to see Alonso leave, but the small consolation is that they got a great price for a quality player who gave them 5 years of good service. If Liverpool play Madrid in the Champions League, can Alonso expect a great reception?