Barça Acquire Dani Alves, Strengthen Right Side

In what may be the most significant transfer of this season, FC Barcelona has secured the services of Sevilla fullback and Brazilian international Daniel Alves. Despite being under contract until 2012, the multi-talented Alves, who shed tears at his Sevilla farewell, had previously stated that he’d like to explore the options available to him with larger, more prominent clubs. On July 2, Alves was transferred to Barcelona for a €29 million ($45.8 million) fee, with an additional €6 million payment possible based on certain performance-related factors, making him the world’s most expensive right back. Alves is the second Sevilla man to join FC Barcelona this summer, joining midfielder Seydou Keita, who was acquired in May.

Daniel Alves is among the most multi-dimensional defenders in world football, not only able to play his own right back position, but also capable of doubling as an attacking winger. Also, Alves has been more than just an individual standout- he’s been a vital member of successful teams. With Alves playing a key role, Sevilla won the 2006 and 2007 UEFA Cup championships (Alves was the UEFA Cup MVP in 2006) and the 2007 Copa del Rey. In addition to his club successes, Daniel Alves has won at the international level as well.

On July 15, in Brazil title-clinching 3-0 victory over Argentina in the 2007 Copa America final, his versatility was on full display. In just his ninth international appearance for his country, Alves not only assisted on one of Brazil’s first half goals, he capped off a beautiful second half run down the right side to put the game out of reach with a powerful strike to the far post.

Given his versatility and beautiful style of play, Alves is an ideal fit at the Nou Camp for two reasons. First, teaming Alves with Carlos Puyol in defense, as well as the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the midfield and Lionel Messi in attack (these two could be very special together), should give Barcelona the most talented unit in La Liga. Second, Alves’ affinity for attacking football personifies Barça’s beautiful approach to the game, and will allow him to seamlessly fit with his new club. Following last season’s monstrosity, Dani Alves will help FC Barcelona return to playing the aesthetically pleasing brand of football that, for many years, has brought smiles to face of Barcelona fans worldwide, who crave not only victory, but beautiful football.

Milito Likely to Join Barca Defense

With FC Barcelona looking to solidify the center of the defense, it has been heavily speculated that the club will look to add AS Roma star and captain of the Romanian national team, Christian Chivu- but he may not be the leading candidate to line up next to Carlos Puyol, with Real Zaragoza center back and Argentina international Gabriel Milito emerging as the likeliest addition.

When asked about Barcelona’s reported interest in Gabriel Milito, Begiristain confessed that a deal with Milito is "the closest and we are working on that", but added that "there are alternatives", presumably referring to Chivu. Begiristain also said that Milito himself "had the desire" to join FC Barcelona, though he also added that "We are continuing to try and close a deal and, from there, we hope that everything goes well."

Milito, a strong, disciplined center back, looks to be fantastic fit for FC Barcelona. In addition to being a force in front of his keeper, in classic Barça style, Milito possesses strong technical skill and, though not an accomplished goal scorer, is capable of moving forward and supporting the attack. By adding Milito, Barcelona will certainly be adding an anchor on the pitch, but Milito’s attitude and leadership could prove to be as valuable to the team.