Mundo Deportivo has recently reported that Everton are trailing Arsenal in the race to recruit Barcelona keeper Neto this summer. It is believed that the Toffees are interested in acquiring the Brazilian custodian’s services but have fallen behind the Gunners in the chase to land him in this off-season (via Mundo Deportivo).
Neto’s Bit-Part Role In Spanish Football Last Season
Neto was a sporadic presence in Koeman’s first team last season but did well to serve as a decent back-up to Marc-André ter Stegen at the Nou Camp. The Araxa-born goalie made 12 appearances for Barca in the previous campaign, shipping in eight goals and securing six clean sheets in various competitions.
The 31-year-old deserves a pat on the back for averaging 0.9 clearances and 3.6 long balls per game in La Liga last season. He even kept things tidy when distributing possession from the back after making 85.8% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
Neto has still got two years remaining in his current contract with the Catalans. However, a change of scenery would be an ideal move for him at this stage of his playing career as he needs to earn more playing minutes in the coming seasons to get his career back on track.
Should The Toffees Step Up Their Pursuit Of Neto This Summer?
Neto has a wealth of experience at the highest level and knows what it takes to win multiple trophies in club football. Hence, he could still serve as a good keeper for a lot of top-flight sides in Europe. The Brazilian sensation can be a safe pair of hands at the back as he has quick reflexes that help him make some solid saves at the back. He is a decent handler of the ball and can even pass the ball accurately from inside his penalty box.
Neto has the experience and winning mindset to rival Jordan Pickford for a place in Rafael Benitez’s starting XI next season. The Toffees head coach might be the ideal man to get the best out of his fellow countryman Neto and could rely on him, similar to how he relied on Pepe Reina’s services during his time at Liverpool.
Hence, the Merseyside outfit should consider stepping up their pursuit of Neto as he will be a shrewd, under-the-radar addition to their squad during this summer transfer window. At 31, the Barca outcast has still got a few good years left in him which makes him a good option for Everton to pursue ahead of the new campaign.
