Brazilian legend Ronaldo reportedly wanted to bring Dani Alves and Marcelo to Real Valladolid when they leave Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively.
According to a report by UOL Esporte, Dani Alves and Marcelo are the subjects of interest from Real Valladolid over a double Brazilian swoop in the summer transfer window. The duo will become free agents after officially leaving Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, in ten days.
Marcelo and Dani Alves are the quintessential modern-day full-backs, the duo being pioneers in their respective positions, especially at the club level. Alves is arguably the finest right-back to ever grace the game, with the Barcelona veteran also the most successful player at the club level.
The 39-year-old has won a staggering 42 trophies at the club level thus far and was solid in his short second stint with Barcelona, chipping in with one goal and three assists in 16 appearances. As for Marcelo, the veteran left-back is the most successful player in Real Madrid’s storied history, winning 25 honours with Los Blancos.
The 34-year-old spent more than a decade and a half at the Santiago Bernabeu and turned out 545 times for Real Madrid, amassing 38 goals and 103 assists. But Marcelo’s time at Real Madrid will officially end on July 1 when he will become a free agent after over 15 years of service. Alves will meet the same fate to finish his second Barcelona spell in ten days.
Marcelo confirmed his departure from Real Madrid following their UEFA Champions League triumph last month. Meanwhile, Alves penned an emotional letter to reveal that he would no longer be a Barcelona player, ending his second coming at Camp Nou less than twelve months following his return.
The two Brazilian defenders have no shortage of suitors, with the duo attracting interest from Europe and beyond. But while Marcelo wants to remain in Europe to oversee his son Enzo’s progress in the Real Madrid academy, Alves intends to play regularly at the club level to be in tip-top shape heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And they could reunite at Real Valladolid.
Neither player is a target for manager Pacheta, but Real Madrid and Barcelona legend Ronaldo, the club’s owner. wants them on board at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium. Ronaldo has opined that Marcelo and Alves will provide the experience needed to successfully retain their La Liga status while also helping Real Valladolid attract a global audience.
It is unclear whether a move to Real Valladolid will appeal to either Marcelo or Dani Alves. But joining the newly-promoted La Liga club should fit the veteran Brazilian defenders’ objectives this year, and a move could be on the cards.
