Barcelona are reportedly in talks with AFC Bournemouth to offload out-of-favour goalkeeper Neto Murara.
According to journalist Toni Juanmarti, newly-promoted Premier League club AFC Bournemouth are in talks with La Liga heavyweights Barcelona for the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Neto.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been with Barcelona for three years, after joining from fellow La Liga club Valencia in 2019. However, throughout his stint at Camp Nou, Neto has played second-fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, as a result of which, he has made just 21 appearances for the club, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.
Neto has been pushing for an exit for a long time now as he wishes to join a club where he can play regularly. And the Brazilian seems to be getting his wish this summer, with Barcelona ready to sanction a sale.
A move to Celta Vigo was on the cards, only for Neto to turn them down at the last minute. Napoli were also interested in signing the 33-year-old goalkeeper but have chosen to focus on Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga instead, leaving the former Juventus and Fiorentina man in a bit of a limbo.
Bournemouth have now presented themselves as a potential destination for the Barcelona goalkeeper. The Cherries are back in the Premier League after finishing as runners-up in the EFL Championship last season. And manager Scott Parker is looking to strengthen the squad significantly this summer so that they can stand a fighting chance of avoiding relegation back to the second division.
The goalkeeping department is an area that Bournemouth could do well to reinforce. First-choice custodian Mark Travers did well in the second division last season but has no experience at the highest level. And his understudy, Will Dennis, has only made two senior appearances for the Cherries thus far.
So, it makes sense for Bournemouth to look to add a more experienced and accomplished goalkeeper to their ranks. And Neto, despite his lack of game-time at Barcelona, can be a handy acquisition. The 33-year-old has represented the likes of Juventus, Valencia and Fiorentina, apart from Barcelona, and has the requisite experience at the highest level.
Given that his contract at Barcelona expires next year, the veteran Brazilian could be available at a bargain price. Talks with the Catalans over a transfer are reportedly progressing well, and both teams are optimistic about working out a deal. So, it will be interesting to see if Neto ends up moving to Bournemouth from Barcelona before the transfer window closes.
