Fichajes has recently reported that West Ham United are eyeing a move for Barcelona keeper Neto. It is understood that the Hammers have identified the Brazilian custodian as a potential replacement for Łukasz Fabiański whose contract at the London Stadium runs out at the end of this season.
Neto’s Lack Of Playing Minutes In Spanish Football This Season
The 32-year-old has found game time hard to come by at the Nou Camp this season as he has often found himself behind Marc-André ter Stegen in the Barca pecking order. Neto has only appeared in two league matches for the Catalan giants so far in this campaign, shipping in three goals in the process across all competitions.
The Araxa-born talent had done well to make 1.5 clearances per game in La Liga. He has even distributed the ball accurately from the back after completing 79.3% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
Neto has still got less than two years remaining in his Barca contract, so the Hammers could potentially land him on a cut-price fee next year. At 32, the Brazilian shot-stopper would believe that he has still got a few years left in him to play at a high level.
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Is Neto The Right Option For West Ham United?
Neto has proven himself to be a safe pair of hands during his time at the Nou Camp. He is a decent shot-stopper who can use his reflexes to make a few solid saves at the back. The Brazilian talent can get a lot of distance with his goal-kicks and is also proficient at passing the ball out from inside his penalty box. He is a good handler of the ball as well but his recent lack of game time could raise some concerns over his long-term value in top-flight football.
There are some question marks over whether Neto can make a smooth transition to life in English football. Still, the Hammers would be wise to orchestrate a move to lure him to the London Stadium in January or next summer. He will enhance the overall depth of West Ham‘s squad which makes him a good option for David Moyes to consider next year.
The Brazilian goalie has got a wealth of experience under his belt and could prove to be a shrewd replacement for Łukasz Fabiański who has sometimes been inconsistent with his performances for the East London outfit this season.
