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By Chima Azu
Barcelona are to meet with the most decorated footballer Dani Alves for a potential return back to the Nou Camp on a free transfer after he left the team five years ago and to work with his former teammate Xavi who is now the head coach.
The Olympic gold medalist is currently without a club after he parted ways with São Paulo because of unpaid wages. Recently Alves spoke out on how he would love to return to Barca and said if they need him all they have to do is to call.
In addition, speculations are going round that contractual and financial issues will be discussed this week and probably the right back can become a Barcelona player once again.
The right back is not considering hanging his boot anytime soon and still hopes to play in next year’s World Cup in Qatar. If the deal eventually goes through Alves will compete with the likes of Sergino Dest, Minguesa and Sergi Roberto. The onus will be on Xavi if he wants his former teammate to be a starter or to play a bit part role for the team.
Looking at his performances at the Olympic where he captained the team to winning the Olympic gold, it shows that the 38 year old still has a lot to offer, his wealth of experience, aggressive style of play and his quality is something the Barca defense and team in general really needs. Alves would easily stroll into Xavi’s first XI looking at the kind of right backs Barca have currently, but it’s left to the new coach if he wants to give younger players a chance or play experience.
