According to a recent report by Sport, Barcelona are close to sealing their first summer signing as they look to orchestrate a move to bring Valencia keeper Neto to the Nou Camp ahead of the new campaign. The same source has revealed that the Catalans are eager to complete the signing of the Brazilian goalie as he could be a worthy back-up to Marc Andre ter Stegen in the upcoming season.
Neto’s Long Career In European Football
The 29-year-old came through the youth ranks of Athletico Paranaense before his life-changing switch to Europe to join Fiorentina back in 2011. After four and a half years in Florence, he decided to move to Juventus on a free transfer.
However, he failed to impress in Turin, which allowed Valencia to snap him up in the summer of 2017. He has enjoyed a couple of exceptional seasons with the La Liga side which has raised his profile as a goalkeeper. Barca will do well to lure him away from the Mestalla Stadium this summer.
Neto had featured in 47 matches for Valencia last season, conceding 49 goals while keeping 14 clean sheets across all competitions. He has also represented Brazil in the Olympics and has earned one international cap for his nation thus far.
Will The Brazilian Shot-Stopper Be An Ideal Back-up Of Ter Stegen?
A keeper of Neto’s experience will be a perfect fit for the champions of Spain as they look to build a strong squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season. The Brazilian keeper knows how to perform consistently in the Spanish top-flight. Hence, he could be an ideal back-up to ter Stegen if given a chance to prove his worth at the highest level.
Should Barca Go After Neto?
If Neto can keep up the same level of form in the coming years, then he has enough time left in his locker to become an even better keeper. Thus, Barca should try all they can to get the deal over the line in this off-season.
However, Neto might find game time limited at the Nou Camp unless he is confident on his ability to dethrone ter Stegen as Barca’s number one goalie over the next few years.
