Reported Arsenal and West Ham United target Norberto Neto could be forced to stay at Barcelona because Marc-Andre ter Stegen may not be fit enough to start the La Liga season in August, as reported by Marca.
Of all the bizarre transfer deals Barca have green-lighted during the past five years or so, their decision to pay almost £25 million for a back-up goalkeeper is one of the most baffling. And, in an era of Miralem Pjanic, Philippe Coutinho, Arturo Vidal and more, that’s saying something.
No one is questioning Neto’s ability – this is a Brazil international with Juventus, Fiorentina and Valencia adorning his CV.
But surely the cash-strapped Catalans could have found a reliable, second-choice shot-stopper for less than £25 million?
In two seasons at Camp Nou, Neto has played just 17 times. That averages out at about £1.5 million per game.
The 31-year-old will, however, be handed a chance to add to that measly tally before the summer is out.
Ter Stegen injury may mean Arsenal and West Ham target Neto stays at Barcelona
The outstanding Ter Stegen missed Euro 2020 after undergoing knee surgery and, according to Sport, may now be unavailable until as late as November.
That means arguably the world’s finest goalkeeper is at risk of missing the first 12 games of the new La Liga season, including crunch clashes with Real Madrid, Atletico, Sevilla and Copa del Rey holders Real Sociedad.
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A Barcelona side desperate to raise funds via player sales were reportedly willing to accept just £10 million for Neto, with a potential Premier League switch on the cards after Arsenal and West Ham expressed interest (Mundo Deportivo).
But, according to Marca, Neto may be forced to stay as Barca are reluctant to throw unproven youngsters Inaki Pena and Arnau Tenas in at the deep end during Ter Stegen’s absence.
The report adds one offer from the Premier League has been rejected already. It appears Neto will finally be handed a chance to prove why Barcelona spent so much on him two years ago.
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