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Dani Alves’ Mexico stay could be short as Pumas face Liga MX elimination

Former Barcelona star Alves signed for Pumas on an initial 12-month contract in July, but things haven’t gone to plan for the Brazil international.

MéxicoUpdate:
Former Barcelona star Alves signed for Pumas on an initial 12-month contract in July, but things haven’t gone to plan for the Brazil international.
RODRIGO ARANGUAAFP

Dani Alves’ time at Pumas so far has not been even close to meeting initial expectations. With just two wins to their name this season, the Universitarios are on the brink of being eliminated from the Liga MX Apertura 2022 tournament, and the club’s fans are running out of patience.

Alves’ Pumas future not looking good

Alves joined Pumas in July on a one-year deal with the option for another 12 months, but the way things are going, the Brazilian’s time in Mexico could end sooner than expected.

A little less than three months out from the 2022 World Cup, Alves was not called up to the Brazil squad for the September international window - the last one before the tournament in Qatar - and is playing in a position in which Casemiro, Fabinho, Fred and Bruno Guimaraes are also among the South American nation’s options.

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Alves knocked back offer from thriving Paranaense

Among the teams that pushed hardest for the 39-year-old’s services this summer was Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense, but in the end it was Pumas who convinced the former Bahía, Sevilla, Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain star to sign on the dotted line.

Currently, Paranaense are finalists in the Copa Libertadores after surprisingly knocking out Palmeiras, and will seek their first South American title against Flamengo.

The Rubro-Negro also sit sixth in the Brazilian Série A table, a position that would ensure they take their place in the continental tournament’s qualifying stage next season.

Alves turned down the chance to join Athletico Paranaense.
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Alves turned down the chance to join Athletico Paranaense.AMANDA PEROBELLIREUTERS

Pumas to make changes if team suffers regular-season exit

If Pumas do fail to make the Apertura postseason, the club’s board will take action. The seven-time Mexican champions will conduct an evaluation of Andrés Lillini’s project and will look for ways to turn the team’s fortunes around after the World Cup.

After losing 2-1 at home to Cruz Azul on Sunday, Pumas are 16th in Liga MX. With two games remaining, they are four points adrift of 12th place, which is the lowest league position that brings qualification for the preliminary phase of the playoffs.

The Auriazules face Puebla on 23 September, before completing their regular-season campaign against Juárez on 30 September.