The experienced Brazilian defender became
the first signing of coach Xavi Hernandez at Camp Nou and the right-back was
one of a quartet of January arrivals who have transformed Xavi’s Barcelona –
the club are undefeated in La Liga since early December. After signing Alves,
Barca completed the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City and then secured
the loan signing of La Masia graduate Adama Traore from Wolves before clinching
the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Alves is often outspoken in his views on
multiple subjects and he has now explained why he would much prefer to have
Mbappe in his side than Haaland – the two standout young strikers in world
football. Both players have been linked with moves to Europe’s biggest clubs,
with Barca thought to be among the admirers of both.
Mbappe has reportedly reached an agreement
to join Barca’s El Clasico rivals Real Madrid this summer – the Spanish giants
have had a long-running interest in the Frenchman. Mbappe is out of contract at
Paris Saint-Germain this summer and he has recently hinted at a move to Real
Madrid while a recent interview suggested that he is open to leaving France.
Haaland has also been linked with a move to
the Camp Nou and last month, Xavi headed a club delegation flying out to
Germany to hold a meeting with the striker – as they attempt to trump rival
clubs to his signature. The Catalan club held a meeting with the player's agent
Mino Raiola in December while Dortmund recently confirmed that Real Madrid are
among those who are interested in signing the Norwegian.
The Norwegian striker fuelled speculation
of a transfer to La Liga in January as he confirmed that he would like to play
in Spain during his career. Barca president Laporta's reported confidence in
signing the striker has sparked off what has been described as a 'war' between
the club and El Clasico rivals Madrid.
Haaland has a reported £63million release
clause that kicks in at Dortmund this summer – which has put a series of top
European clubs on alert. The two La Liga giants are among those who have been
strongest linked for the Norwegian, with Manchester City also among the clubs
monitoring his situation.
Xavi expressed his confidence in a deal to
sign Haaland to reporters earlier in March: "It always seems like a good
time to sign for Barça. It is the best club in the world. There is no
footballer who has said no to Barça since I have come here." However,
Alves has now suggested why the club should not go down that route.
Alves told an interview with Catalan media
outlet Diario Sport : “I would not throw everything at Haaland. Sincerely, I
wouldn’t spend a lot of money on him. On Mbappe, yes, but Haaland no.
"I’m playing at sporting director
here, but I’d bet on Mbappe first. He seems more complete in every aspect. If
you are going to make a huge investment, you have to do it on the best. If it
was up to me, I’d bet on Mbappe.”
The futures of both Mbappe and Haaland are
worth keeping an eye on with both of the superstars likely to be on the move in
the near future with this summer transfer window very possibly proving to be
decisive in the transfer market.
.jpeg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment