Barcelona outcast on West Ham radar as they plot summer swoop

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Norberto Murara Neto, better known as ‘Neto’, is on London club West Ham’s radar, who are considering signing him in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been somewhat of an outcast at the Camp Nou, always playing the role of Marc-Andres ter Stegen’s second fiddle.

While Neto is surely not upset by this, given ter Stegen’s high level of quality, it is obvious that he seeks game time, as sitting on the bench during your prime years is the worst dream of any footballer, even at a club like Barcelona.

The 31-year-old has been a highly reliable backup option throughout his two seasons at Barça. With ter Stegen out for the first two months of this season, Neto put in some dependable and impressive performances during a tough period for the club. He adds tremendous value but is perhaps too old and at too high a level to be a benchwarmer for any longer.

The former Valencia goalkeeper has managed to rack up 1,100 minutes this season and will be looking for a new challenge elsewhere where he can become the main keeper. Therefore, West Ham seems like an ideal scenario; the Stratford-based club have had a fairly impressive season, finishing sixth with 19 victories in their league campaign.

The Hammers’ current starting goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski, is 36-years-old. Their other two backup keepers are also in their mid-thirties, meaning it may well be a necessity for West Ham to sign the Brazilian. Hopefully, Neto arrives at a destination where he can get more playing time than he has at Barça, given his high level of quality between the sticks.