Barcelona right back Dani Alves has revealed that his next destination will be the Barclays Premier League. Alves is still the 1st choice right back in the current Barcelona team and at 31 years of age, he might only few years remaining.
Speaking to Brazil’s O Globo newspaper, the former Sevilla man said, “I am going to play in the home of football. This will be my last year at Barcelona.”
Dani Alves did not reveal which club he wants to join, but according to certain rumours Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing him. Both the clubs are willing to sell their current right backs, Rafael (Manchester United) and Glen Johnson (Liverpool), so the option of Alves might look interesting in the near future. Manchester United are biggest spenders of the summer transfer window, so matching Dani Alves’ salary demands won’t be a problem for cash-rich United.
Alves’ contract expires in June and he’ll be the hottest property in the transfer market come summer if Barcelona decide not to offer him a new contract. Alves is known for his attacking threat more than his defensive qualities. That being said, he doesn’t shy away from his defensive responsibilities when needed. The full back has scored 14 times for Barcelona in 192 appearances, and most of those 14 goals were worldies. Alves’ style is similar to that of former Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos who used to make marauding runs from the back and combine brilliantly with the attackers.
He joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 under Pep Guardiola for an initial fee of £23 that went to £30m due to the performance related clauses. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best full backs in World football for both club and country. He has won a jaw dropping 16 trophies with Barcelona and lifted the Confederations cup with Brazil in 2009 and 2013. His individual honours include La Liga’s Best Defender in 2009. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year three times – 2007, 2009, 2011 and in the FIFPro World XI four times – 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013.