Dani Alves of Sao Paulo competes for the ball with Wesley Ribeiro of Palmeiras during a quarter final second leg match between Palmeiras and Sao Paulo as part of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2021 at Allianz Parque on August 17, 2021 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves has reportedly offered himself to Atletico Madrid, who could be in for a right-back.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Dani Alves is eager to make a big return to La Liga after leave Sao Paulo FC as a free agent. To that end, the former Barcelona defender has offered himself to the Blaugrana’s title rivals Atletico Madrid, who might not be able to sign him till the January transfer window.
Dani Alves is the most decorated footballer of all time, having won a staggering 43 trophies with club and country to date. A large chunk of those trophies were lifted during his illustrious stint with Barcelona from 2008 to 2016. Most recently, the 38-year-old right-back successfully led Brazil to the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
However, in the immediate aftermath of the triumph in Japan, Alves has become a free agent after leaving Sao Paulo FC. And now, the former Sevilla and Barcelona defender is eager to return to La Liga. To that end, he is offering his services to one of Barcelona’s major rivals in the Spanish top-flight – Atletico Madrid.
The Colchoneros could be in need of a right-back soon amid Manchester United’s continued pursuit of Kieran Trippier. The Red Devils had been keen on signing the English international in the summer but could not manage to swoop him away from Atletico Madrid, whose valuation of the 30-year-old was deemed to be excessive.
However, if Trippier does end up belatedly joining Manchester United in the winter, Sime Vrsaljko will be the only other natural right-back left at Diego Simeone’s disposal. With the Croat not in favour at the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid could do with a right-back, having also tried to sign ex-Barcelona academy ace Hector Bellerin before his loan move to Real Betis.
As a result, Alves is a viable target for Los Rojiblancos, although the report claims that they will only manage to sign the Brazilian veteran in the January transfer window. That wait will be too long for the Barcelona legend, who might have to settle for another club as a result.
Having said that, it remains to be seen if Alves instead chooses to wait for the winter window to open at the turn of the year. If he does so, it will not be too surprising to see the 38-year-old make his way to Atletico Madrid despite his glorious history with Barcelona.
