Dani Alves has ended all speculation by signing a two year extension with the current treble winners, despite earlier committing to leave.
The long-drawn saga finally comes to a close, as Dani Alves aims to see out his playing years with the . Blaugarauna.
Despite being a vital figure for Barcelona throughout their treble winning campaign, the Catalan club seemed unwilling to meet the Brazilian’s increased wage demand.
With negotiations reaching a stall in early May, it seemed that Dani Alves was destined to leave, with Manchester United and PSG looking his most likely destinations. After winning his second treble with the club, both parties agreed that it would be in each of their best interests to see Alves remain with Barcelona. The club released the following, confirming Alves’ stay.
FC Barcelona announce that Dani Alves has accepted the club’s proposal for the renewal of his contract.
The new agreement linking the two parties will run for two more seasons until 30 June 2017, plus an optional third season.
With a chance of extending his deal at the end of two-years, Barcelona have finally shown their commitment to the right-back, who has proven pivotal to both of Barcelona’s treble winning campaigns.
Barcelona’s initial contract offer in May, was not agreed to, as Dani Alves felt undervalued at the club he had contributed so much too. However, Barca’s decision to agree to Alves’ demands might’ve been driven by something more than just loyalty. Due to their FIFA enforced transfer ban, Barcelona would be left without a qualified right-back till January. Faced with a situation where arguably Europe’s best right back leave the club, seemed one that Barca did not fancy in the slightest.
Despite his age, Alves’ performances last campaign, were nothing short of world class. The renaissance of the right back proved a vital catalyst to Barcelona’s fine form at the turn of the year, ending with them capturing all three of the championships they contested in.
Having arrived from Sevilla in a a 35 Million move in 2008, Alves has won five league titles two League Cups and three Champions League titles. With Barcelona’s return to the apex of world football, Alves could yet win more trophys with Barcelona, before the sun sets on his illustrious career.