Barcelona will not offer decorated fullback Dani Alves a new contract at the Camp Nou, under the assumption that Cesar Azpilicueta will join the Catalan side from Chelsea this summer.
The 38-year-old right-back became Xavi Hernandez's first signing when he took over at Barcelona, joining as a free agent on a short-term contract in a bid to help his former club and teammate in their time of need.
And he made 14 La Liga appearances, grabbing one goal and three assists in the process as he helped the Blaugrana to 2nd place in La Liga despite a dreadful start to the season.
However, his return to the club now seems to be over, with Spanish outlet Sport claiming that there is no intention to extend his short-term deal, which expires at the end of June.
*Update* Dani Alves has since taken to Instagram to confirm the news, and thank the Barcelona faithful, writing:
Dear cules... Now it's time for us to say goodbye. It was more than 8 years dedicated to that club, to those colors and to that house... but like everything in life, years go by, roads divert and stories are written for some time in different places - and so it was.
They tried to send me away but couldn't do it 😂 for you cannot imagine, or can you, how resilient and resilient I am.
Another many years passed until soccer and life, which as always, are very grateful to those who respect them, decided to give me the opportunity to come back here so I could say goodbye.
But not a goodbye without first thanking all those who are behind the spotlight, all those who make our thing perfect, to all of them: THANK YOU.
I would also like to thank all the staff for the opportunity they gave me to return to this Club and to be able to wear again that wonderful shirt, you do not know how happy I am.... I hope they don't miss my craziness and my daily happiness 😝.
Hopefully also those who if left will change the history of that beautiful club, I wish it from the bottom of my heart.
There were 23 titles won: 2 triplets, 1 sextuple and a great golden book written!
A very beautiful cycle closes and another even more challenging one opens. May the world never forget: A LION EVEN AT 39 YEARS OLD IS STILL A GOOD CRAZY LEONNNNNNN. Forever VISCA AL BARÇA!
Barcelona ready move for Azpilicueta
And, as it turns out, despite Barca's current options at right back, it is the seemingly imminent arrival of Chelsea and Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta that has led to the decision not to offer Alves a new deal.
Sergi Roberto extended his contract with Barcelona earlier in the summer, but Sport report that 'Barça, with this move, seems to be clear about Azpilicueta's arrival, although they will have to negotiate his departure with Chelsea'.
Azpilicueta had a one year contract extension triggered by Chelsea earlier in the season, meaning that he will not be available on a free transfer as initially anticipated. However, should he wish to depart, it seems unlikely that the Blues will stand in the way of their club captain, who has given them a decade of service.