Dani Alves set for Barcelona return

In a bit of a stunner, Brazilian right-back Dani Alves is set to sign a deal with his former club, Barcelona.

According to Sport, new manager Xavi Hernandez has given the go-ahead to sign the 38-year-old. The plan is to come to an agreement as soon as possible in order for Alves to join the first team.

Xavi would like to count on Alves in time for the Catalan Derby against Espanyol, which is right after the international break. However, that scenario seems remote and it could be that he won’t be able to join the club until the start of next year.

Alves could provide qualities Barcelona are sorely lacking

The deal is certainly going to raise some eyebrows considering the player’s age and the fact he hasn’t played in a while.

But what he does bring to Barcelona is a quality veteran presence. He is going to be a positive influence in a locker room that appears to still be fragile and working to build themselves up following the Ronald Koeman era.

Alves’ return would likely not have happened had Xavi not been the manager. The board was not entirely convinced previously and Koeman was set against a possible reunion.

It does appear that Xavi’s arrival played a major influence in the Brazilian’s impending return.

Given his age, it is unlikely he will be a starter. The plan may be to use him as a super sub and to help out the younger players like a Sergiño Dest.

As far as whether or not Alves still has the level required to compete in La Liga remains to be seen. The coaches apparently trust him as he was part of the Brazil squad that won the Olympics in Tokyo.