According to FIFA agent Francois Gallardo, Barcelona right back Dani Alves has agreed to join Manchester United next summer for free as his contract expires in June 2015.
Gallardo told Spanish television show Neox, “The player will leave Barcelona next season. He has signed a preliminary agreement with Manchester United.”
Alves’ agent Dinorah Santana revealed that they (the player and his agent) will wait until December or January to decide on the matter, “If the club (Barcelona) wanted to renew Alves they would have done it already. I would not do things they way they have.
“We will leave the suitors until December or January… then we’ll decide who to marry,” he added.
Alves was being linked with a move to Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool in recent days after revealing that his next destination will be the Premier League. The 31-year old Brazilian has abundance of experience in the La Liga as he has appeared 304 times for Barcelona and has won 15 trophies with the club since joining them from Sevilla in 2008.
A player of Alves’ profile will suit any top club in the Premier League as he has all the characteristics to succeed in the English top flight football. The former Sevilla man is known more for his attacking prowess, but can put in a challenge or two when required.
Manchester United do not have good depth in the right back position, so the arrival of Alves will not only put him into the team sheet ahead of Rafael, but also add quality depth to the squad.
On the other hand, the move will come as a blow for Chelsea and Liverpool especially. The merseysiders were slightly behind in the race to sign Alves thanks to his exorbitant wages. Chelsea could have afforded the Brazilian, but will miss out apparently. One does wonder though if the rumours linking them with Alves are true or not since Jose Mourinho likes players who can defend well, which isn’t one of Alves’ strengths.