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Xavi makes final decision on Alves-Barcelona comeback talks

Xavi Hernandez, Dani Alves
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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 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.

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