5 brilliant right-backs Barcelona could sign to replace Dani Alves

Barcelona are in the market for a new right-back after deciding not to renew Dani Alves’ contract – and there are plenty of options for Xavi to choose from in the summer transfer market.

Alves rejoined Barcelona in November, five years after he left the Nou Camp for Juventus. In all, Alves made 407 appearances for Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles and establishing himself as one of the best players in the club’s history.

“I would like to thank all the staff for the opportunity they gave me to return to this club and to be able to wear that wonderful shirt again. You don’t know how happy I am,” Alves said in an Instagram post.

“It closes a very beautiful cycle and opens another even more challenging one.”

While the 39-year-old Alves is looking to cement his spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad, Barcelona are on the hunt for another right-back as they look to continue their cautious renaissance under the management of Xavi Hernandez.

We’ve identified five players that Barcelona could sign to replace the outgoing Alves this summer.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta’s move to Barcelona this summer looks more likely than not at the time of writing.

The Chelsea full-back, who has enjoyed a successful decade at Stamford Bridge, is thought to be keen to return to Spain to see out the remainder of his career.

And Azpilicueta, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Chelsea, has privately expressed his desire to leave for a new challenge.

Barcelona would be signing a player of huge experience and talent at a knockdown price, making this move sound like a no-brainer for both player and club.

READ: Ranking Barcelona’s club captains since 1997 from worst to best

Dodo

Barca have been linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk defender Dodo, who has already been dubbed ‘the next Dani Alves,’ by some reporters.

Dodo is still only 23 but has also interested several other clubs including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, and Tottenham.

The Brazilian is under contract until 2025 but is reportedly keen to leave Shakhtar this summer and Xavi could consider what would be a slightly leftfield signing.

Denzel Dumfries

One of the breakout stars of last summer’s European Championship, Dumfries earnt himself a move to Inter Milan after the tournament.

And the right wing-back impressed in his first season in Italy, winning the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana which has led to reports of another move this summer.

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