Barça have 12 months to convince Neto his future is at the Camp Nou
The Brazilian goalkeeper is excited at the challenge facing him at Barça but he'll be allowed to leave next summer if he isn't happy with his role
Barça hope to complete their goalkeeper lineup for next season within the next few days. Jasper Cillessen has joined Valencia after passing a medical this morning and as part of this move Neto will go in the opposite direction. There are advantages of these deals for both sides and for Barça it's related to bringing down the average age of the goalkeepers at the club. However, as with any keeper heading to the Camp Nou, it could become problematic as they'll spend most of the time on the bench.
CILLESSEN IS THE KEY
Barça were forced to enter the market after Cillessen insisted that he was allowed to leave. After seeing potential transfers fall through 12 months ago, the Dutchman asked for a deal to be wrapped up early this time around. Benfica attempted to agree a fee with Barça but were unsuccessful. Everton asked about his situation but decided against making a bid.
Valencia were the next side to express an interest but, as was the case with Benfica, the two clubs valuations were miles apart. To speed up the transfer Valencia decided to offer Neto in exchange. Cillessen said okay as did Neto. Everything started to move forward.
Barça were clear with Neto and let him know he'd be back up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The way it was smoothed over with the Brazilian is the promise he would be sold next summer should he be unhappy with the amount of football he's playing. This is acceptable by both sides. Barça understand that Neto might want to move on but that his value, around €15m, will increase after a season at the Camp Nou. In Italy, plenty of sides value the stopper. If this happened then Barça would promote young Iñaki Peña to be the backup to ter Stegen for the 20/21 season.
