Barcelona could release forgotten 32-year-old due to his reluctance to leave: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly considering terminating the contract of fringe player Neto.
Since joining from Valencia in 2019 for a reported initial fee of £23 million, the shot-stopper has made just 12 La Liga appearances for the Blaugrana.
The 32-year-old still has a year left on his current deal, but with Barcelona in dire financial mess, the club are keen to see high-earners leave the club.
According to SPORT, manager Xavi Hernandez wants to make youth academy graduate Inaki Pena his number two keeper for the upcoming campaign.
🎖| Barcelona have offered Neto to terminate his contract, but he rejected this option. [ @gerardromero] #fcblive
🚨🎖| Barcelona have offered Neto to terminate his contract, but he rejected this option. [ @gerardromero] #fcblive https://t.co/1c8wSFC19M
Pena spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, where he made six league appearances. Xavi has faith in the 23-year-old keeper, who is yet to play for Barca's senior side.
The report claims that Everton showed strong interest in signing Neto, along with Arsenal and Lazio, but failed to agree a deal for the Brazilian custodian. The Catalonian giants are now tempted to cancel Neto's contract, which is currently worth €5 million per year.
However, Celta Vigo could make a move for the goalkeeper as their number one keeper has Matias Dituro has left the club. He will have to take a hit on the €5 million per year contract if he were to join Celta but will be a guaranteed starter there.
Frank Kessie reveals phone call from Xavi which helped seal his move to Barcelona
The 25-year-old defensive midfielder has arrived at Camp Nou on a free transfer after his contract at AC Milan expired last week.
In his first interview as a Barcelona player, Kessie told the club's social media team, as per Barca Blaugranes:
“For me it’s a great opportunity. We know that Barca is a great team. I’m very happy to be here, I’m very excited to get started and give my best to this great team. I’m a player who works very hard, gives everything on the pitch and works hard everyday to be able to win things. About me, my position on the pitch will be decided by the coach. he’ll know perfectly where I can help the team best.”
He further added:
“When a great coach like Xavi calls you, who has had such a great time as a player, he’s ready to become a magnificent coach, when someone like that calls you you see all your efforts have paid off. I can’t wait to get started working with him and my teammates.”
Franck Kessie's first words upon arriving in Barcelona! https://t.co/LGh8ipdxGy
The Ivory Coast international joined on a free transfer after playing 223 games for Milan across four seasons, scoring 37 goals and giving 16 assists.