Newly-promoted Premier League club Fulham have opened talks with Barcelona goalkeeper Neto over a summer move.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Fulham have emerged as a likely destination for Barcelona goalkeeper Neto. The newly-promoted Premier League outfit have made the 33-year-old shot-stopper one of their priority signings as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Brazilian goalkeeper joined Barcelona from Valencia in 2019 and has played second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen since then. With just a year remaining on his contract, Barcelona are eager to offload the 33-year-old this summer rather than risk losing him on a free next year.
Neto was reportedly offered to Napoli and has his heart set on a move to Serie A, but the Italian club are yet to make an official approach. The out-of-favour Barcelona goalkeeper recently turned down the opportunity to join Celta Vigo, leaving Fulham in a direct race with Napoli for the goalkeeper’s signature.
With the Blaugrana eager to find a club for Neto soon in the hope of completing the move before they return from their pre-season tour of the USA, Napoli will need to make a decision soon if they wish to land the Barcelona shot-stopper.
The Serie A giants are said to be exploring other options as well, whereas Fulham have identified him as among their top targets. Therefore, the London club could have a free run at the shot-stopper if Napoli further delay their operations. Barcelona want to close the deal this week or the next.
Fulham have contacted the player’s entourage in the hope of agreeing on personal terms, but he is still said to be waiting for an offer from Napoli. An exit for Neto, however, seems imminent, and Barcelona should also have no problem in getting the out-of-favour Brazilian goalkeeper off their roster.
The Catalan giants have already completed four signings in the ongoing summer transfer window. Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen have all joined Barcelona, while Ousmane Dembele has been re-signed on a fresh contract. They must now focus on offloading players, with Neto on top of the list.
