According to the latest reports from the Sun, Manchester City sources say that they can sign Dani Alves on a short term deal if Danilo goes on to depart from the club this summer. Guardiola also went on to indicate that the club could make a signing before the transfer window ends on 8th of August.
Guardiola on Alves and future transfers
The City boss was asked about Alves, who is currently a free agent and the Spanish tactician said, ”All the important clubs in the world know his situation and the incredible player he is. He’s an extraordinary person too, but now we have two incredible full-backs. Maybe we will (sign more players), but the transfer market is so difficult, and the team is good enough. Maybe zero, maybe one, maybe one and a half.”
Guardiola has just about kept the door open for a reunion with Dani Alves, but it likely rests on whether they can ship away Danilo in this window. Alves who might seem like he is past his prime played a stellar role in Brazil’s Copa Cup campaign. The Brazilian fullback showed that he can still turn back the time as he led Brazil to South American glory after more than a decade.
Why might City need a right-back?
Danilo has been used sporadically ever since he arrived. Kyle Walker can be termed as the weakest link in City’s back four as he is prone to errors now and then.
However, Danilo doesn’t seem good enough to challenge Walker for the first-team spot, and the Englishman has continued playing in that position regularly. The club is also strongly linked with Joao Cancelo, but that deal seems to be stalling at the moment.
Is Alves worth going after?
The 36-year-old might have performed brilliantly for Brazil, but the Premier League could be a massive challenge for him at this stage of his career. He might still make a positive impact on the offensive front with his link-up play and forward runs. However, we think that the veteran right-back might struggle defensively given the intensity and pace of the Premier League.
The back to back Premier League winners should stick with Danilo for the time being if they are unable to get their hands on a much longer-term and younger right back. Alves can still give a few brilliant moments, but City will again have to dive in the transfer market in one year’s time to replace him.
