Everton are reportedly eyeing a move for goalkeeper Neto in the summer transfer window.
The Lowdown: Everton need back-up
Given that Robin Olsen was only on loan at the Goodison Park faithful in the 2020/21 season, the Merseyside club may need to look to bring in a back-up ‘keeper.
Promoting Joao Virginia to number two is also another option, but the new manager may want to bring in someone with more experience.
The Latest: Everton eye Neto
As per Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the Toffees are ‘interested’ in signing Neto from FC Barcelona, whose future there is ‘uncertain’.
The La Liga giants want to keep him, but it looks as if he is heading through the exit door, as if he receives an offer from a team where he can have a ‘leading role’, he will ask Barca to let him leave.
Ronald Koeman’s team may not be able to ask for a big fee for Neto, given the financial impact of the global pandemic, and so the Blues may be able to sign him at a reasonable price.
The Verdict: Avoid
Given that he currently earns a whopping £105,000-per-week at the Nou Camp, and the fact that EFC are in the Premier League, Neto is likely to demand a sizeable wage if he were to join, which for a 31-year-old who may not start ahead of Jordan Pickford, is simply too much money.
There is no doubt that he has been a good player over the years, representing as many as three different teams in the UEFA Champions League (Barcelona, Juventus and Valencia), but given his high wages, his age and his desire to be a regular first-team player, it would be much better for Everton to either invest in another back-up option or to promote Virginia.
In other news, find out what comments from one Toffee on his future has fans fuming here!
