Dani Alves in shock return to Barcelona

Dani Alves is scheduled to hold a meeting with Barcelona’s top officials to discuss a potential return to the club in January.

The 38-year-old is not yet retired but left Sao Paulo back in September due to a dispute over unpaid image rights. He left Barça in 2016, but the club have failed to replace him adequately in that time.

Sergi Roberto has often filled in at right back since Alves’ departure, while Sergino Dest and Oscar Mingueza have also played there more recently.

Now, as reported by UOL, the Brazilian is due to negotiate a deal with the La Liga giants in the next few days.

ALSO READ: I turned down Barca return ―Dani Alves

It’s suggested by Spanish outlet AS that Dest could be a potential beneficiary from the move, with Alves serving as one of the best possible mentors for the young American.

Dani Alves is scheduled to hold a meeting with Barcelona’s top officials to discuss a potential return to the club in January.
The 38-year-old is not yet retired but left Sao Paulo back in September due to a dispute over unpaid image rights. He left Barça in 2016, but the club have failed to replace him adequately in that time.

Sergi Roberto has often filled in at right back since Alves’ departure, while Sergino Dest and Oscar Mingueza have also played there more recently.

Now, as reported by UOL, the Brazilian is due to negotiate a deal with the La Liga giants in the next few days.

It’s suggested by Spanish outlet AS that Dest could be a potential beneficiary from the move, with Alves serving as one of the best possible mentors for the young American.

ALSO READ: I turned down Barca return ―Dani Alves

The salary and length of the deal will be discussed, with Alves targeting a swan song with Brazil at the 2022 World Cup. He still features for the Selecao, recently playing in the 2-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Peru in September. That was his 119th international cap, having made his debut in 2006.

New Barça manager Xavi would also have to sign off on the deal. The pair played together during better years for the Catalan side when they were consistently winning league titles and challenging for the Champions League.

President Joan Laporta recently commented on the possibility of a return for Alves, stating: “Dani Alves is helping the club in many ways, and he also offered us his help on a sporting perspective. With [Carles] Puyol there is a very direct relationship. They can help if Xavi needs them.”

Xavi’s first game as head coach will be the local derby against Espanyol after the international break.