12 Sept 2014

'Best in the world' to LFC? BR wants to sign exciting £16m Brazil star who 'will' leave soon

With the arrival of Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno, Liverpool's full-back positions are no longer an urgent transfer priority, but with Glen Johnson recently hinting at a January exit, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers reportedly has his eye on a potential replacement in mind.

According to reports this week:

* Brendan Rodgers wants to sign £16m-rated Barcelona star Dani Alves on a 'short-term deal' next season.

* Manchester United also want the Brazilian, recently hailed by Barca right back Martin Montoya as the 'best full-back in the world'.

Barca confirmed Alves' exit this week, with the following statement:

"We are delighted that Dani is here, and with the performance he has provided for the club. Both sides have reached an agreement though that his contract will end in 2015"

Liverpool have been linked with Alves many times in the past, and Rafa Benitez tried to sign the Brazilian back in 2008. In a 2012 interview with Sports Illustrated, Benitez explained:

"Daniel Alves was our first option on the right side. The problem that we had was that I had to decide to bring Alves as a winger when he was an offensive full-back"

The irony here is that if Liverpool had signed Alves back in 2008, then Johnson - the player Alves may possibly replace - may never have been signed in the first place.

In May, Alves revealed his unhappiness with life at Barcelona, and admitted that there are 'many doubts' over his future at the club. He told Catalan radio RAC1:

“If people put up with me as I am, fine. Otherwise I will go somewhere else. Whether you like it or not, I am part of the history of this club, but I need energy, I need to be content and happy.”

As much as Johnson needs to go, I don't see the sense in bringing in an older defender in his place. Alves is 31 now, and his best years are behind him.

Granted, if the Reds can get him on a free, then it's probably good business, but is Alves a significant *defensive* upgrade on Johnson?

Going forward, Alves - recently described by Brazil's President as 'brave and strong' for his classy reaction to racism - is an exciting player, but at this stage, defensive solidity is the name of the game for Liverpool, and I'm not sure the Brazilian is the best option in that regard.

Still, as I always say, you can never have too many Brazilians in your squad :-)

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