Barcelona have announced their first signing in the Xavi era – and it’s a familiar face! Brazilian ace Dani Alves is returning to Barcelona on a free transfer after a five-year absence. Even though he’s 38, his old teammate and now boss Xavi believes that the former PSG and Juventus man has a lot to offer.Xavi and Alves played together at Barcelona during an incredible period of time for the club, specifically under Pep Guardiola, in a team that many believe to be the greatest to have ever played the game. The Brazilian veteran had been playing with Sao Paolo since 2019, but he left the club after they failed to pay his wages. Now he returns as a free agent to the club he spent eight years with.WINNER pic.twitter.com/gN3BUqRSAo— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 12, 2021 Although his main role has always been in defence, in the true Brazilian wing-back tradition, Alves also likes to join the attack, where he has a fine shot from outside the area, earning him the reputation as one of the finest players of all time in his position. During the summer of 2021, Alves cemented himself as one of the most decorated players in football history. He was part of the Brazilian team that won gold at the Olympics, ensuring that there is nobody currently playing who has won more than the full-back.Brazilian shock! Legendary defender Dani Alves leaves Sao Paulo because of unpaid wagesIt is thought that the Catalans want Alves to become a leader within their young squad, with the club keen for the player to arrive with the squad as soon as possible to acclimatise with his new teammates. He should be a great role model to Barca’s young guns.##NAJAVA_MECA_5974440##Xavi believes that the defender can help to solve an issue of depth at right-back, with the Spaniard viewing Sergi Roberto as a midfielder and Oscar Mingueza as a central defender – both of whom have been forced to play at full-back during Sergino Dest’s absence.Alves
