Mikel Alonso

Mikel Alonso Olano (born 16 May 1980) is a Spanish footballer who plays for Real Unión as a midfielder.

Football career

Real Sociedad

A product of Real Sociedad's youth ranks, as younger brother Xabi, Alonso was born in Tolosa, Gipuzkoa, and made his debut in La Liga on 22 April 2001 against Real Valladolid (seven minutes played, 3–1 home win). However, the presence of his sibling and Mikel Aranburu in central midfield meant that he was restricted to a supporting role, and he was then sent on loan to Segunda División's CD Numancia for 2003–04 but, while he was dedicated to the Soria team's bid for promotion, he remained keen to establish himself at Real Sociedad, returning at the end of the season; under the management of José Mari Bakero, the player's importance to the team was demonstrated in the 2005–06 campaign, when he was the club's most used footballer playing in 37 games.

After brother Xabi had already settled in England with Liverpool (having arrived during the summer of 2004), Alonso also decided to move to the Premier League and joined Bolton Wanderers, another team in north-west England, on a loan deal on 10 July 2007 with the option of a permanent deal at the end of the season. However, after manager Sammy Lee was dismissed he fell out of favour and, under new coach Gary Megson, he only made two competitive appearances; subsequently, the Trotters opted to not extend his contract.