The goalkeeper situation at Barcelona is a bit complicated at the moment. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is currently out injured and is set to miss at least the first three games of the season.
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In theory Neto, who has been the back-up the last few seasons, would be looked at to take over. However, the Brazilian let it be known he wanted to leave in search of more minutes.
Barcelona know the keeper is keen on moving on to get more playing time
According to Mundo Deportivo, he could soon be getting his wish as fellow LaLiga side Villarreal are reportedly interested in the keeper. The Yellow Submarine want to reinforce their goalie situation and believe Neto would be a good fit.
He would likely be the starter because if he is signed, it opens the door for an exit for their starter, Sergio Asenjo.
The Catalans are not entirely convinced that a concrete interest from Villarreal exist but the interest does appear to be real.
It's true that Villarreal are interested in Neto. [@MatteMoretto]
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 3, 2021
Whether an offer is made by Villarreal and Barcelona are satisfied by it remains to be seen. Moving Neto would ease the wages somewhat and bring in a decent fee. Though the final decision may be left to manager Ronald Koeman.
If Neto does leave, that means that Iñaki Peña becomes the starter and would play the first three games of the season. Koeman may not want to give such responsibility to the 22-year-old.
What happens with Neto will also go a long way to resolving Peña’s own future. As mentioned, if Neto leaves then he is the starter. Should Neto stay, Peña would go out on loan.
Neto had been linked with a move to the Premier League but with interest from England cooling, it now appears his future may see him staying in Spain.