Veteran Brazilian goalkeeper is reportedly in advanced talks with La Liga club Celta Vigo over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Neto is closing in on reaching an agreement to complete a free transfer to Celta Vigo in the summer transfer window. The Galician club and the veteran Barcelona goalkeeper are in advanced talks, with the Sky Blues ready to bring him to the Balaidos if he departs from Camp Nou as a free agent.
Neto has endured an incredibly frustrating stint since joining Barcelona from Valencia in July 2019. The move has not panned out as envisioned for the 32-year-old, who has had to play second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the last three years, which has hardly been surprising, considering the German international’s status at Camp Nou.
The veteran Brazilian goalkeeper has thus had to suffice with appearances in cup competitions and the odd outings in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Neto has featured just 21 times for Barcelona, keeping seven clean sheets. And his frustrations have boiled over, with Celta Vigo ready to offer him an escape route out of Barcelona.
The summer transfer window has started in a frenetic manner for Celta Vigo, with the Galician club securing the services of Williot Swedberg (a former Barcelona target), Oscar Rodriguez, and Luca de la Torre. In addition, Unai Nunez is closing in on arriving from Athletic Club. But they are not relenting anytime soon.
The Sky Blues are keen on bolstering the goalkeeping department following Matias Dituro’s return to Universidad Catolica. In addition, Antonio Blanco might not be the first-choice goalkeeper under Eduardo Coudet, bringing veteran Barcelona goalkeeper Neto into the picture for Celta Vigo.
But an asterisk is attached to Celta Vigo’s pursuit of the 32-year-old, as they are only willing to secure his services on a free transfer. In the meantime, Neto has practically agreed to join Celta Vigo in the summer transfer window, with the Barcelona outcast’s representatives in advanced talks with the Galician outfit.
What now remains is for Barcelona to sanction a free transfer to get Neto and his wages off their books. Recent reports had claimed that Barcelona could accept any offer to offload the Brazilian shot-stopper, but it is unclear if they will be prepared to let him leave for free. The coming days will determine where this transfer story goes, as the Sky Blues remain optimistic about landing Neto.