Dani Alves signs with Barcelona until end of the year

FT Desk

• 25 Oct 2022 15:46 BST
• 5 min read

Dani Alves is set to sign for Barcelona for the third time in his career in the run-up to Brazil's World Cup campaign in Qatar this winter.

Speculation about an Alves return had been growing since he posted pictures of himself training at Camp Nou earlier this month, and now Brazilian media are reporting that he has re-signed with the Blaugrana until the end of the year.

"The 39-year-old Dani Alves, who plays for the Pumas in Mexico, is still dreaming of the World Cup, which will be held next month in Qatar," write the Rio Times.

"The right-back, aiming for a place in Tite's squad, has signed with FC Barcelona until the end of this year. Dani Alves is back at Barcelona but will not play in coach Xavi's first team.

The player has only agreed with the Catalan club to use the training centre before the World Cup."

Alves is still owned by Pumas, but the agreement will see the Brazilian train with Barca's B team in a bid to be fit for what would be his fourth World Cup.

Paragon in the position

Alves won 26 major honours in his first spell at Barca between 2008 and 2016 before returning to the club as a 38-year-old last season.

Although Barca have no intention of using Alves for their first team any longer, his presence could be useful. Widely regarded as one of the greatest right-backs of all-time, coach Xavi will appreciate his former teammate's advice for the current occupants of the position.

Sergino Dest never won Xavi's trust and was allowed to leave on loan to AC Milan at the start of the season. Hector Bellerin was acquired on a free transfer from Arsenal but has since struggled with calf injuries.

So far this season, the right-back position has mostly been shared by Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto and Alex Balde.

But Kounde was signed as a centre-back and the €50m summer arrival from Sevilla won't want to plug a gap long-term. Roberto is a midfielder helping out while the 19-year-old Balde, whilst a nascent talent, is a left footer who would rather play on his natural side.