The season is only a month or so old, but Dani Alves has already come out and said that he won’t be playing for Barcelona next season.
The Brazilian right back, whose contract ends in June 2015, is alerting English Premier League teams of his availability after telling Brazil’s O Globo newspaper, “ I am moving to England next year. I am going to play in the home of football. This will be my last year at Barcelona.”
Alves has been with the Blaugrana since 2008 and was with Sevilla before that, starting in 2002. He has had a successful career at Camp Nou, scoring four La Liga titles, the Copa Del Rey, the Club World Cup twice, and the Champions League twice.
Teams interested in Alves’s services could be Liverpool and Manchester United, who have inquired about the defender before. Alves still seems to be an important piece for Barcelona despite his 31 years of age. Though some would argue his skills and pace aren't what they once were, a slower Alves is still an asset on the pitch, especially for Manchester United and Liverpool who have found trouble in the right back areas.
Glen Johnson has been under fire from Liverpool supporters since his consecutive poor performances at the end of last season, which hurt the club's chances of winning the title. Alves would also be a great fit at Manchester United in Louis van Gaal’s system. Not only would he fit the mold of bringing in another world-class player, but Rafael is really the only right back the side has. Not to mention the Red Devils are a side that are in desperate need of revamping their defense. No better player to bring in to calm things down and lead than Alves. A change of scenery for Alves could go a long way for him to keep a spring in his step.
