Barcelona ‘are exploring a return for club legend Dani Alves’ in a surprise reunion with new manager Xavi… with ‘talks to be held in the coming days’ to decide over veteran defender’s surprise second spell
- Dani Alves joined Barcelona in 2008 and won a host of trophies before leaving
- In a surprise move, the club are now weighing up signing him for a second spell
- According to reports, talks over Alves’ return will be held over the coming days
- Alves is now a free agent after spells with Juventus, PSG and Sao Paulo in Brazil
Barcelona are exploring the possibility of re-signing club legend Dani Alves in what would be a surprise reunion with former team-mate turned manager Xavi.
Veteran full back Alves won a host of major trophies during his first spell at the club after signing in 2008, and departed in 2016 to join Juventus.
He is now a free agent, however, and according to journalist Nicolo Schira, discussions between Alves and Barcelona are ongoing over a potential return.
Barcelona are now exploring the possibility of re-signing club legend Dani Alves this season
Xavi (left) has been unveiled as their new manager and may reunite with his former team-mate
It was reported that Nou Camp chiefs initially ruled out the move, but after Xavi was unveiled as Ronald Koeman’s successor, Alves would serve as a leader under him.
As a result, there is reportedly a meeting scheduled over the coming days to make a final decision on whether the 38-year-old comes back for a second stint.
Currently, both Xavi and club president Joan Laporta are evaluating the role Alves may have. He is viewed as an experience head for young players to learn from.
Alves last turned out for Sao Paulo in his native Brazil but remains a free agent after leaving
His winning mentality would also be a major boost to the fallen giants, as they look to breathe new life into their stuttering season across multiple fronts.
Alves is said to be keen to end his career in Catalonia, meanwhile, and has his sights on featuring regularly to earn his spot in Brazil’s squad for next year’s World Cup.
He has confirmed that he has informed Barcelona about his willingness to play for them again, saying: ‘It would be taking advantage a bit to say now Barca need me.
‘I left saying that when Barca needed and wanted me I would return regardless of where I was.
Alves joined Barcelona in 2008 and won countless trophies before departing fondly in 2016
‘There’s too much love, respect and care I have for this home. If Barca think they need me all they need to do is call.
‘I believe I can add things wherever I go but at Barca now especially with the youngsters they have.
‘We were young once and we weren’t prepared to defend a responsibility as big as defending Barca is, no matter how good they are or how much they are spoken about. It’s all new.
‘You need a mix of young and old to give balance and the chance to fight for great things.’
Club president Joan Laporta (R) and Xavi are reportedly weighing up Alves’ role in the squad
Laporta is also open to the return. He said: ‘Dani Alves helped the club in a number of ways – and he has offered us his help from a sporting point of view as well.
‘Like with (former captain Carles) Puyol, there is a very direct relationship. They can help if Xavi needs it.’
Alves signing for Barcelona from Sevilla and memorably won the treble under Pep Guardiola in his first season.
