Juventus have reportedly agreed a deal to bring Brazilian goalkeeper Neto back to Turin on a free transfer.
The 37-year-old has accepted a short-term contract with the Italian giants following the serious knee injury suffered by Kamil Grabara. Neto, who previously represented Juventus between 2015 and 2017, is expected to provide experienced cover in the club’s goalkeeping department.
Reports indicate that the agreement has been sealed, with the remaining formalities expected to be completed shortly. At the time of writing, Juventus had not yet published an official announcement confirming Neto’s return.
According to Yahoo Sports, the agreement is complete, while Sporting Tribune reports that the Brazilian will sign a contract running until June 2027.
Why Juventus Have Decided to Sign Neto
Juventus moved quickly for an additional goalkeeper after Grabara suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee.
The Polish goalkeeper underwent successful surgery on September 23, 2026. In its official medical update, Juventus confirmed that Grabara had undergone surgery to reconstruct the damaged ligament and would begin his rehabilitation programme.
Reports suggest that the 27-year-old could be unavailable for six or seven months, leaving Juventus in need of experienced cover.
Guglielmo Vicario remains the club’s leading goalkeeping option after joining Juventus on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until June 2027. Neto is therefore likely to arrive as a dependable alternative who can play when required and support the other goalkeepers with his experience.
Because Neto was available as a free agent, Juventus were able to sign him despite the summer transfer window being closed.
Neto Returns to Familiar Surroundings in Turin
This will be Neto’s second spell with Juventus.
The Brazilian first joined the Bianconeri from Fiorentina in July 2015. He signed as an experienced alternative to legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and spent two seasons in Turin.
Although Buffon remained the regular Serie A starter, Neto received important opportunities in domestic cup competitions. He played every minute of Juventus’ successful Coppa Italia campaigns in both 2015/16 and 2016/17.
Neto made 22 appearances across all competitions during his first Juventus spell, recording 12 clean sheets. The club’s 2017 farewell statement also highlighted his reliability, noting that he won seven of his eight Serie A appearances and drew the other.
His honours during that period included:
- Two Serie A titles
- Two Coppa Italia trophies
- One Supercoppa Italiana
- A place in the Juventus squad that reached the 2017 Champions League final
Neto’s familiarity with the demands and expectations of Juventus should help him settle quickly. He already understands the pressure of representing one of Italy’s biggest clubs and has experience competing for trophies in Turin.
Neto’s Early Career in Brazil and Fiorentina
Born Norberto Murara Neto in Araxá, Brazil, the goalkeeper spent part of his youth career with Cruzeiro before continuing his development at Athletico Paranaense.
He made his professional debut for Athletico in 2009 and recorded 36 Brazilian league appearances before moving to Europe.
Fiorentina signed Neto in January 2011. His opportunities were initially limited, but he eventually established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2013/14 season.
Neto developed a reputation for his agility, reactions and ability to make saves at close range. He also gained valuable European experience as Fiorentina reached the Europa League semifinals.
By the time he departed Florence in 2015, Neto had made 101 appearances across all competitions, according to the official Juventus account of his first arrival.
His performances for Fiorentina convinced Juventus to recruit him as Buffon’s deputy.
Success With Valencia and Barcelona
Neto left Juventus for Valencia in 2017 in search of regular first-team football.
He became Valencia’s leading goalkeeper and made 80 appearances during two seasons in Spain. His final campaign at the Mestalla ended with a major trophy as Valencia defeated Barcelona in the 2019 Copa del Rey final.
Barcelona subsequently signed Neto in the summer of 2019.
The Brazilian spent three seasons at Camp Nou, primarily providing cover for Marc-André ter Stegen. He made 21 appearances across all competitions and added another Copa del Rey medal to his collection in 2021.
Although Neto was rarely Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper, his experience allowed the club to rest or replace Ter Stegen without turning to an inexperienced option.
That is similar to the responsibility he is now expected to assume at Juventus.
Bournemouth, Arsenal and Botafogo Chapters
After leaving Barcelona in 2022, Neto joined Bournemouth on a free transfer and brought his considerable European experience to the Premier League.
He became an important member of the Bournemouth squad and was named club captain in 2023. Across his time with the Cherries, Neto made more than 60 appearances in all competitions.
The Brazilian then joined Arsenal on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, providing backup to David Raya. Neto made one competitive appearance for the Gunners, starting their 2-1 Champions League victory over Girona in January 2025.
That appearance made him Arsenal’s oldest debutant in 110 years at the age of 35 years and 194 days.
After his experiences with Bournemouth and Arsenal, Neto returned to Brazil and joined Botafogo. His time with the Rio de Janeiro club ended in June 2026, making him available to Juventus as a free agent.
Neto’s International Career With Brazil
Neto represented Brazil at the 2012 London Olympics, where the team claimed a silver medal after losing to Mexico in the final.
He was also included in Brazil’s squad for the 2015 Copa América and eventually made his senior international debut in 2018.
Breaking into the Brazilian national team was difficult due to competition from several leading goalkeepers, but his inclusion in major squads reflected the reputation he had built in European football.
What Neto Will Bring to Juventus
Neto is unlikely to arrive as Juventus’ automatic first-choice goalkeeper. Instead, he offers an experienced and immediately available solution during Grabara’s rehabilitation.
His main strengths include:
- Extensive Serie A, La Liga and Premier League experience
- Familiarity with Juventus and Italian football
- Strong reactions and shot-stopping ability
- Experience playing in domestic and European competitions
- Leadership gained from captaining Bournemouth
- The mentality required to operate as a reliable backup goalkeeper
At 37, Neto may no longer possess the same physical sharpness he demonstrated during his peak years at Fiorentina and Valencia. However, goalkeepers often rely heavily on positioning, decision-making and experience—areas in which he should still provide value.
A short-term contract also limits Juventus’ financial risk. The club are signing an available goalkeeper who understands his role and does not require a lengthy adaptation period.
How Good Is the Neto Signing for Juventus?
Considering the circumstances, this is a sensible move by Juventus.
Grabara’s injury created an urgent need for additional depth, and Neto provides an experienced solution without a transfer fee. His previous spell in Turin should make the transition easier, while his professionalism can benefit the wider goalkeeping group.
The main concerns are his age and lack of consistent top-level football over the past few seasons. Nevertheless, Juventus are not asking him to become their long-term number one. They need reliable short-term cover, and Neto fits that requirement.
Bangbet signing rating: 7.5/10.
It may not be the most glamorous transfer of the season, but it is a practical response to an unexpected injury crisis.
Follow Juventus and Bet on Serie A With Bangbet
Neto’s return adds another fascinating storyline to the 2026/27 Serie A season as Juventus continue their pursuit of domestic and European success.
Visit Bangbet to explore the latest Juventus match odds, Serie A markets and football betting opportunities. Always check injuries, confirmed line-ups and recent form before making your selections.
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