The surge of players who will be available on a free keep on growing, one such player who is on top of some of the transfer wish lists is Barcelona right-back Dani Alves. Alves seems set to leave the Nou Camp after being at the club for almost 7 glittering years. Having won so many trophies at the club, it might be hard for the Brazilian to find another club which could provide him the chances of glory as much as Barcelona has.
One club who is in the hunt for a new right back is Liverpool, with Glen Johnson seemingly on his way out, Liverpool are in need of some cover in that position. They might have the young Jon Flanagan and Andre Wisdom to come back into the team but they need some experience in that position and Dani Alves has truckloads of experience.
An aging superstar for the system?
Dani Alves might be one of the best attacking right backs in the world and he might be just the kind of player that fits Liverpool’s more dynamic and attacking system, but his age is one of the biggest factors which could scupper the deal from taking place.
Dani Alves is 31 years old, although he can do a very good job, Liverpool do have a policy of not having players above 30 or just giving them one year rolling contracts. At this stage of his career, Alves might be looking at something which is more long term.
Liverpool also have a pay structure for their older players and they certainly would not be able to afford Alves, sure he might take a pay cut but he probably does not need to do that, there are various clubs out there that still want to secure his services. The prime example which should help Alves make up his mind is the case of Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson who both have had rather pressing times in trying to sign a contract with Liverpool.
More than anything, Liverpool need a right back who is able to not only attack but defend really well as well. Dani Alves might be one of the best attacking right backs in the world but his defensive ability is still in question, something similar to Glen Johnson but he is better than GJ in the attacking third as well. He still can do a very good job for a lot of clubs, but he isn’t the fit that Liverpool need.