In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo has provided an update on Everton‘s pursuit of Barcelona keeper Neto this summer. It is understood that the Toffees’ interest in the experienced custodian has stalled but the player remains keen on leaving the Nou Camp in this off-season (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Neto’s Bit-Part Role At Barcelona Last Season
Neto was a sporadic presence at the Catalan club last season but did well when called up to feature in between the sticks for Ronald Koeman’s first-team. The 31-year-old made 12 appearances for the Spanish outfit in the previous campaign, conceding eight goals and securing six clean sheets across all competitions.
The Brazilian shot-stopper gave a good account of himself by averaging 0.9 clearances and 3.6 long balls per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 La Liga season. He was also accurate with his ball distribution after completing 85.8% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
Neto is currently surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp, so it makes sense for him to seek a move elsewhere in search of more game time in the coming seasons. Everton could be an ideal destination for him if they can guarantee him regular playing minutes in the upcoming campaign.
Should The Toffees Step Up Their Pursuit Of Neto This Summer?
Neto is an experienced campaigner who can be a decent keeper for most top-flight sides in Europe. He has a good football IQ and the winning mindset to succeed at a place like Goodison Park if the Merseyside club decide to move in for him during this summer transfer window.
The Brazilian talent has decent reflexes in his locker that help him make a few solid saves at the back. He is also not shy of pulling off some quick dives to grab hold of the ball when the opposition are looking to threaten inside his penalty area. Furthermore, the Araxa-born custodian is a good passer of the ball that makes him a solid fit for Everton’s style of play at Merseyside.
An experienced keeper like Neto will undeniably enhance the overall depth of the Toffees squad ahead of the new campaign. He will offer some serious competition for Jordan Pickford in the race to secure a starting spot at Goodison Park next season.
At 31, Neto will believe that he has still got a few good years left in him, so the Merseyside outfit should consider stepping up their efforts to land him in this off-season. A goalie of his winning mindset could help the Toffees push for a top-six spot in the Premier League and challenge for some major silverware over the next few years.
