Yesterday, Dani Alves chose Paris Saint-Germain over Manchester City. The Brazilian defender leaves Juventus behind after just one season at the club.
??#BemvindoDaniAlveshttps://t.co/sciu4D7Ku0
— PSG Officiel (@PSG_inside) July 13, 2017
What Dani Alves Signing Will Mean for PSG
Paris Saint-Germain will be bolstering their squad with Dani Alves. This is important considering that Serge Aurier is looking likely to be transferred. One such destination could be Inter Milan, but rumours link him also to Manchester United and even Tottenham Hotspur. Thus, Alves not only covers his departure but ensures a quality replacement—Alves is only bettered by Maldini in terms of his nine European medals. His Champions League experience with Barcelona especially will prove invaluable to PSG who will compete again this season.
Despite his age, Alves is still showing all signs of his youthful days. Whilst he may have lost some pace and is less extravagant on the attack, he still retains some brilliant flair. Involved in the Champions League final, he reignited his rivalry with Marcelo, providing entertainment in the fierce battling. It is clear that Alves still has a lot to give, and will be a key player for PSG.
Juventus’ Loss
Alves had thanked the fans and the club, but he had to move on. He explained, “I have a way of living things spontaneously that few understand“. However, there is some evidence that he wanted to further his own success and add to his titles, an opportunity missed at Juventus in the Champions League. Fuel was being added to the fire with the claim that Alves told Dybala live on air that he must leave the club if he wished to become a bigger, better player. There may have been cause for concern in the dressing room, thus Juventus were wise to accept his stance to leave the club.
Only Lichtsteiner remains at the right-back position for Juventus. Alves’ departure has left them short in this position, and as a result, they are desperately searching for another right-back. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this could be Joao Cancelo from Valencia. The Italian outfit should easily be able to secure a new right-back, even if the quality and experience of Alves cannot be matched by a new signing.
Manchester City’s Woe
As a result of Alves snubbing City, they still have a crisis at right-back. Currently, Fernandinho is covering the right back berth. The box to box midfielder has made it clear he is willing to help his team-mates out in whatever position he plays in. City really need to find a new right-back from somewhere. They could source one from their academy squads. Demeaco Duhaney is one such candidate. He is pacey, and attack minded, embodying the likes of Pablo Zabaleta. However, if City seeks Premier League experience, it could be too soon to introduce this young player. Thus, their pursuit of Kyle Walker continues, although there has been no further progress in any official transfer agreements.
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