Barcelona are reportedly ready to offer a one-year contract extension to veteran defender Dani Alves, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
According to SPORT, Barcelona have decided to extend the contract of experienced full-back Dani Alves by another year. The 38-year-old’s current deal stands to run out at the end of the 2021/22 season.
Alves secured a surprise return to Barcelona in November last year, signing on a free transfer after his contract with Brazilian club Sao Paulo had expired. The veteran right-back became the first signing of the Xavi Hernandez era. However, he had to wait until January to be officially registered and make his second debut for the club.
Since returning to action, the Brazilian has shown that he can be an asset for the Blaugrana despite his advancing years. The 38-year-old has featured seven times across all competitions, producing a return of one goal and three assists in the process. Even though he was omitted from Barça’s UEFA Europa League squad for the knockout stages, the seasoned campaigner remains a vital part of the setup.
Not only does he provide valuable cover at right-back, but Alves also adds a lot to the dressing room with his experience, knowledge and positive attitude. These qualities have prompted Barcelona to hand him a contract extension for another year.
Dani Alves contract extension could be discussed soon, Barça manager Xavi confirms: "I hope he will continue with us – Dani Alves can be considered a role model. His impact for our team is amazing, he helps us a lot". ??? #FCB pic.twitter.com/c85z0GXHys
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 5, 2022
When Alves signed for the Catalan giants last year, he had done so on a short-term contract until June 2022 while agreeing to a massive pay cut to make a move possible. As per the report, the Brazilian will receive a pay bump with his new deal, which is expected to run until the summer of 2023.
Barcelona are yet to start negotiations with Alves over an extension, but talks are expected to be held soon, and there are unlikely to be any complications during the discussions. The former Juventus and PSG defender is happy to continue at Camp Nou as it would keep him in contention to represent Brazil at the FIFA World Cup later this year. Manager Xavi and Barcelona are also happy to have him at the club.
“Alves knows the dressing room well and helps the team. I hope to see him play in the World Cup with Brazil. He contributes to the team and we are happy with him. There are options for Dani Alves and Adama to stay. With the case of Alves it is easier,” president Joan Laporta said in a recent interview (h/t Barça Universal).
So, all things point towards the Brazilian continuing at Camp Nou for another season.
