How Dani Alves rejoined Barcelona after refusing lucrative Liga MX offers

Author Photo
Dani Alves - FC Barcelona - Nov. 17, 2021

Dani Alves is back at Barcelona five years after bringing an initial trophy-laden spell at Camp Nou to a close, with the Brazilian fullback making it clear that Catalunya would be the only destination for him as he mulled over career options at the age of 38.

The veteran defender collected 23 trophies during his previous stint with the Blaugrana, as he formed part of iconic teams under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

He has retraced those steps in a bid to help Barca through a testing period on and off the field, with Alves being reunited with former teammate Xavi in familiar surroundings.

Dani Alves turns down Liga MX

In mid-September, after two seasons back in his native Brazil, Alves saw his contract terminated at Sao Paulo.

Having dropped into the free-agent pool, the buccaneering right back made the decision that he wanted to return to Europe — where he has also represented Sevilla, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

MORE: Why did Dani Alves wear flip-flops at his Barcelona presentation?

That desire was so strong that two offers from teams in Mexico’s Liga MX were knocked back, with one of those a two-year deal that was worth considerably more than the terms agreed in Spain.

Alves, though, made it clear from the start that his preference was to rejoin Barcelona, with the South American never shying away from the fact that he dreamt of turning out for the Blaugrana again. He was adamant that money was not an issue and that he would be prepared to accept a salary that fit into a business model in Catalunya that is now all about keeping costs down.

MORE: Barca president says Messi, Iniesta could return

Contact was first made by the La Liga giants at the start of October. With all parties willing to talk terms, Alves’s representatives met with Mateu Alemany and Ramos Planes in mid-October. During the initial talks, it was made clear that certain obstacles had to be overcome before a deal could be done.

Xavi key to Dani Alves return

Crucial fixtures against Real Madrid and Dynamo Kyiv in La Liga and Champions League competition were prioritized, while Ronald Koeman was still calling the shots at that stage.

Koeman departed on Oct. 27, forcing Barca to then turn their attention towards the appointment of a new coach — leaving Alves in limbo. After Xavi was talked into making an emotional homecoming of his own, discussions with Alves resumed.

MORE: Barcelona players stopped trusting Ronald Koeman

Matters were, however, further complicated when technical secretary Planes stated his desire to move on. At this point, Xavi stepped in and made contact himself with his former teammate, who was in Portugal by this time.

The new Barcelona boss assured Alves that he wanted him to form part of an ambitious project and that his vast experience could be put to good use alongside a collection of talented youngsters. There were no more negotiations, just one offer on the table that Alves happily accepted.

He had fulfilled his dream and, having now completed the formalities of a medical and official presentation, is looking forward to opening the next chapter in his Barca fairytale beginning in January.

Author(s)
Goal Photo

Goal.com partnering with The Sporting News to bring you the latest football news, transfer updates and analysis.