Barcelona full-back Dani Alves appears to be heading out of the Nou Camp exit door, with Sevilla’s Aleix Vidal signed on Sunday night as his replacement on the right flank.
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With his contract set to expire at the end of the month, Alves’ future has been in doubt for several months following his failure to agree a new deal.
Last week he angrily blasted the club’s board of directors for supposedly not showing sufficient respect for his achievements with the team, admitting that he expects to leave at the end of the season.
Dani Alves: Thank all of you for making me happy. I don’t know if the dream is over yet, I am now one of you.
— AS English (@English_AS) June 7, 2015
With the campaign now completed following Barca’s Champions League final victory over Juventus – the third European crown and 19th title in total won by Alves since he signed from Sevilla seven years ago – his decision over next season’s destination should be made soon.
And although Manchester United have long been linked with the 32-year-old Brazil international, Alves has admitted that a move to AC Milan is a distinct possibility.
Acknowledging that he has been in contact with the Italian club, Alves said: “It would be a pleasure to join Milan. There is a proposal from Italy and I will evaluate all the alternatives before deciding.”
Barca have acted swiftly to replace Alves by agreeing a deal with Sevilla for versatile Aleix Vidal on a five-year contract in a transfer believed to be worth €18 million (Dh73.5m) and the player will undergo a medical later on Monday.
A Catalan native from nearby Tarragona, 25-year-old Vidal is already well known to the Nou Camp coaching staff after spending time in the club’s youth system during his teenage years.
He later developed his reputation during a three-season spell with Almeria, and earned even greater admiration after joining Sevilla last summer and impressing during his one season with Unai Emery’s Europa League winners, playing either on the right wing or at rightback.
Due to Barca’s current transfer ban from FIFA, Vidal will only be able to train with his new teammates during his first few months at Barca, before being available to make his debut in January.
