Brazilian giants hold talks with 32-year-old Barcelona ace, player interested in move

The primary objective at the Barcelona offices at the moment is facilitating player departures. The operation of overseeing departures from Camp Nou is directly related to the registration of new signings.

Amongst the names linked with a move away from Barcelona is Neto, the Brazilian goalkeeper who joined Barcelona in 2019.

According to reports from SPORT, Flamengo has held talks with the shot-stopper’s representatives over a move to Brazil. Moreover, Neto himself is said to be keen on returning home, and that could be the pioneering factor Barcelona require.

Flamengo have also been linked to Philippe Coutinho, who could move to Brazil in an attempt to help his World Cup selection case.

Since he arrived at the club, Neto has been an eternal second fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Brazilian did get a few weeks of prominence at the beginning of the season when the German was recovering from surgery. However, he did not make a lasting impression with his performances.

Neto was involved in a swap deal with Jasper Cillessen in what was a controversial move between the Spanish sides. The deal was said to be one made to balance the accounts.

Last season, the 32-year-old started seven games for the Catalans in the league. In those opportunities, he conceded close to one goal per game. That number however went up to 1.5 this season in his league starts.

Diego Alves has been Flamengo’s go-to man in goal this season, having started 26 games in the Brasileiro Serie A. He has made close to three saves per game and was crucial in his team’s march in the league.

However, at 36 years, he does not have age on his side. Neto would be an apt replacement for the former Valencia player.