AFC Bournemouth have completed the free transfer of Neto from La Liga giants Barcelona.
The 33-year-old’s move has been closely followed on social media, with Fabrizio Romano even publishing a video of the moment that Neto stepped off the plane on Saturday.
He was greeted by AFC Bournemouth Chief Executive Neill Blake and AFC Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes whilst still on the airport runway.
Here’s Neto, in England to complete the move to Bournemouth. Club CEO Neill Blake receiving him after travel and then medical done. It’s signed with Barcelona, deal will be official soon. ✅🍒🛩 #transfers
Exclusive video here, first images of Neto in UK ⤵️🎥 pic.twitter.com/izsEmJdjtw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2022
He was later spotted at Dean Court ahead of the Cherries opening Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa.
Neto watched on as Mark Travers kept his second ever clean sheet in the top flight of English football, as the Cherries took all three points on the opening day.
🧤👀….. 🍒🍒🍒🍒’s pic.twitter.com/jqhyboIut8
— Geoff zzzzzz (@geoffzzzzzz) August 6, 2022
On Sunday the deal was officially confirmed and announced by AFC Bournemouth, Neto making the move from Barcelona on a free transfer and signing a contract for the 2022/23 campaign.
Welcome to #afcb, Neto 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xIn3poD18u
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 7, 2022
With Neto stating that it has always been a dream of his to play in the English Premier League.
"My dream has always been to be here in the Premier League" ❤️
New signing Neto has played in Serie A and La Liga and now gets to achieve a lifelong ambition with the Cherries 🗣️
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 7, 2022
AFC Bournemouth Chief Executive Neill Blake told afcb.co.uk…
“To be able to attract a player of Neto’s calibre is very pleasing. This is a real coup for the club and we’re delighted he has chosen to join us. He has vast experience at the very top level of the game so I’m sure he will be a huge asset for us.”
Neto began his career in his native Brazil with Athletico Paranaense before making the move to Europe to join Italian side Fiorentina in 2011, initially as the second choice behind former AFC Bournemouth favourite Artur Boruc.
He would eventually break through in Italy, making 72 Serie A appearances before a transfer to Juventus in 2015. Understandably however he was once again the second choice, behind Juve and Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon.
In 2017 he switched from Italy’s Serie A to Spain’s La Liga with Valencia, a deal worth €7 million. Over the two seasons, Neto was first choice goalkeeper, as shown by his 67 La Liga appearances across just two seasons. His performances obviously impressed many in Spain and in 2019 he joined Barcelona for €26million plus €9million in add-ons. He was once again the second choice at Camp Nou and has only played 12 times in La Liga for the Spanish giant (including just three appearances in 2021/22).
Despite being a squad player for the majority of his career, his list of honours is rather impressive.
In Italy he was part of the squads that won the Italian double twice, winning Serie A and Coppa Italia in 2015/16 and 2016/17. The same side would also reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2017.
In Spain, he won the Copa del Rey twice, with Valencia in 2019 and Barcelona in 2021.
International honours saw him collect an Olympic silver medal in London 2012.
Your say…
Sorry Roger wrote…
Considering that English must be his fourth language he speaks it very well. So when he says that his ambition has always been to play in the Premier League that may well be the case. Big smile as well.
No idea how good he is as a goalkeeper, but seems an excellent addition to the squad as a personality.
thegazzyb added…
He also seems to accept that he might have a role to play in helping out our younger keepers.
Who knows? If he settles and enjoys it on the English south coast, he might even end his career as part of our very own goalkeeper coaching team.
That wouldn’t be the worst retirement gig!
But as cover for Travers this season, he is a great option which both parties can review next season.
Seems like an honest professional and good guy in this interview at least.
A decent signing, whatever transpires. – Join the conversation, click here.
