Dani Alves is perhaps the best right-back in Barcelona's history. He left the club in 2016, and the Catalans spent a lot of time and money in search of a replacement just to sign him back five years later.
Here's how much the poor planning has cost Barca, as well as the stats of the supposed Alves replacements.
1. Aleix Vidal — €17m — 51 matches, 4 goals, 11 assists
2. Nelson Semedo — €35.7m — 124 matches, 2 goals, 11 assists
3. Moussa Wague — €5m — 6 matches, 0 goals, 0 assists
4. Sergino Dest — €21m — 40 matches, 3 goals, 1 assist
5. Emerson Royal — €15m — 3 matches, 0 goals, 0 assists
Total — €93.7m
Meanwhile, during his eight seasons at Barca, Dani recorded 21 goals and 101 assists in 391 matches.
Alves has signed a contract until the end of the season. He will soon join the team in training but will be able to make his debut only after January 1. Barca need the transfer window to be open in order to register him.
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'Dani Alves is better than me': Brazil legend Cafu
"Dani Alves is better than me and will give Barcelona a lot with his experience. Despite his age, he is in perfect physical condition. He will be a great signing for Barcelona," Brazil legend Cafu has told EFE.
Many consider Cafu to be the best right-back in history, so this is definitely high praise coming from him. Just like Dani, the two-time World Cup winner had a long career, retiring at the age of 38.
As for Alves, he has returned to Barca, signing a contract until the end of the season. He's already played over 850 matches in his career, 391 of them for the Catalans. Dani is also the most decorated player in history.
'Let's rebuild this team we all love': Dani Alves sends message to fans as he arrives in Barcelona
"Hello, culers! I'm here in Barcelona, I'm here with you guys. I'm very happy to return home. I hope to see you all very soon. Let's enjoy and rebuild this team we all love. Kisses!" Dani Alves has said.
The 38-year-old has signed a contract with Barcelona until the end of the season. He joins the club as a free agent as Sao Paulo terminated his contract at the start of the season.
Alves will join Barca in training soon. However, he will be unable to play until January 1 as they have to officially register him.
