Xavi makes final decision on Alves-Barcelona comeback talks

The new FC Barcelona manager wants his former teammate to return to Camp Nou.

Xavi Hernandez has reportedly given Barcelona the green light to re-sign Dani Alves on a free transfer.

The 38-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Brazilian side Sao Paulo in September. He publicly offered his services to Barcelona in October and was present in the recent 1-0 Champions League win over Dynamo Kyiv.

The club’s president, Joan Laporta, confirmed earlier this week that Alves wants to ‘help the club from a sporting perspective’.

But Barca were initially reluctant to go ahead with a reunion, considering they’re covered for right-backs and their own financial restrictions.

Xavi wants Alves because he thinks he can be an important asset to the dressing room. The Brazilian brings competitive spirit, and is used to dealing with difficult circumstances. [sport] pic.twitter.com/glc0LmZrg7

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 12, 2021

Xavi steps in

A new report from Diario Sport, however, claims Xavi has sanctioned Alves’ return. The 41-year-old, who recently replaced Ronald Koeman as the club’s new manager, has prompted a change in opinion. He hopes a deal can be done for his former teammate by next week; namely before the Catalan derby against Espanyol on November 20.

Barcelona and Alves have scheduled a meeting to resume talks over a reunion. Both parties are keen and are hopeful of a swift conclusion.

Xavi, who played alongside Alves at Camp Nou between 2008 and 2015, rates Alves’ experience. The manager reckons it would be a useful asset for his young squad. Given the right-back’s impressive performance in Brazil’s gold-winning Olympic campaign in the summer, he is also convinced the veteran can still compete at the highest level.

🗣️ Joan Laporta:

“Dani Alves is helping the club in many ways, he even offered us his help on a sporting perspective. With Puyol there is a very direct relationship. They can help if Xavi needs them.” pic.twitter.com/P9iyRgoql6

— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) November 10, 2021