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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
As confirmed on the club’s official website, reported Manchester City target Dani Alves has joined Brazilian side Sao Paulo on a free transfer.
What’s the word?
Reports in recent weeks had suggested that Alves could be on his way to the Etihad this summer following his release from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
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However, amidst reports linking Pep Guardiola’s side with a possible move for Juventus right-back Joao Cancelo, it has now been confirmed Alves has returned to his native Brazil.
Missed a trick
If City can pull off a big-money deal for Cancelo, then there can be no doubting that they will have got themselves a quality full-back. But seemingly skipping on a free transfer like Alves certainly feels like Guardiola’s side may have missed a trick.
The Brazil international showed at the Copa America that he still has what it takes to operate at the highest level, and was voted the player of the tournament following his country’s triumph.
His past experience working under Guardiola at Barcelona would have given him an added edge and head-start into trying to adjust to the Spaniard’s philosophies at City.
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Indeed, at 36, Alves would have provided able back-up to first-choice right-back Kyle Walker, and given them a wealth of experience from his time playing in the closing stages of the Champions League – a competition City have failed to conquer in recent years.
Signing Alves on a free would have been an astute piece of transfer business by the Citizens, and it may be something that they look back on come the end of the season with a tinge of regret.
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