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Barcelona keeper still angling for a move away

By Ernesto Hernandez

VIGO, SPAIN - AUGUST 21: Neto Murara of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on August 21, 2021 in Vigo Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
VIGO, SPAIN - AUGUST 21: Neto Murara of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on August 21, 2021 in Vigo Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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VIGO, SPAIN – AUGUST 21: (L-R) Oihan Sancet of Athletic Bilbao, Neto Murara of FC Barcelona, Pedri of FC Barcelona, Daniel Vivian of Athletic Bilbao, Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on August 21, 2021 in Vigo Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
VIGO, SPAIN – AUGUST 21: (L-R) Oihan Sancet of Athletic Bilbao, Neto Murara of FC Barcelona, Pedri of FC Barcelona, Daniel Vivian of Athletic Bilbao, Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on August 21, 2021 in Vigo Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

The Brazilian goalkeeper still intent on a move away from Barcelona

Despite starting the first two games of the season, Neto has not changed his mind about his future and is still hoping for a move away.

The goalkeeper has become the starter for the Catalan side given the injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, his posture remains the same.

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According to Marca, both sides now find themselves at an impasse. Neto wants to leave but the club wants him to stay unless they can find a side to pay €15 million for him.

Manager Ronald Koeman has closed the door on his exit as he wants to have three strong goalkeepers at his disposal. It was one of the reasons why third-string goalkeeper Iñaki Peña was not allowed to leave despite there being interest from Granada.

If he were to leave, then it leaves Barcelona in a position where they would have to find another goalkeeper to sign. A complicated task given their financial situation.

All that being said, perhaps the club’s position has changed following the 1-1 draw over the weekend against Athletic Bilbao.

Neto had an abysmal showing as he looked nervous anytime he had the ball at his feet and had to play it out from the back. His distribution was poor and generally provided little security even though he did make a few vital saves.

It should come as no surprise then that Koeman is hoping for the quick return of Ter Stegen who, if everything goes well, may be available for next week’s clash against Getafe.

Neto has wanted to leave and made it known at the end of the season. At first, Barcelona were open to a move but respected Koeman’s stance in having three goalkeepers.

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There were talks about a possible move to Arsenal but the Gunners have already signed another back-up keeper. If he were to leave, the likeliest scenario is he would end up at another LaLiga side. With a little over a week left in the transfer window, the club has to hurry if indeed they are going to honor the Neto’s wishes.

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