Liverpool have been linked with a move for Neto in the January transfer window…
As we reported earlier, Brendan Rodgers is considering whether or not to pay £2m to take Fiorentina’s Brazilian goalkeeper Norberto Neto to Anfield in January, as he looks to increase competition for Simon Mignolet.
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With Brad Jones injured, and Neto’s contract expiring in the summer, Rodgers is supposedly considering whether or not to take a risk on the 25-year-old. The Daily Mirror also believes Juventus are interested.
Here are ten things you might not have known about the player:
10) WhoScored.com
The football statistics website rates Neto’s performances so far this season at 6.74 out of 10. They list his strengths as shot stopping (or reflexes), saving close range shots and saving long shots.
9) FIFA 15
The game rates Neto at an overall of 73, with a potential of 80. His best attribute is his reflexes, rated at 79, while his weakest attribute is supposedly his kicking, rated at just 60.
8) Compared to Mignolet…
At 6ft3 he stands an inch smaller than the Belgian, but has not been caught out as regularly in the air, with Mignolet particularly struggling with catching crosses.
7) Atletico Paranaense
Neto started his career at the Brazilian club in 2009, becoming a first team regular in 2010. This was despite being sent off in the first game of that season for a reckless tackle on an onrushing forward. Overall he made 36 appearances for Atletico before his move to Fiorentina in 2011.
6) Fiorentina Move
In January 2011, at the age of just 21 Neto made the move to Italy to play for Fiorentina. He has played 59 times for the club so far, with more appearances surely coming before any potential move in January.
5) Performance This Season
Fiorentina are sixth in Serie A so far this season, and have conceded only 17 goals in 18 games so far this season. They’ve won seven and drawn six of their 18 matches, placing them within four points of the Champions League places.
4) Olympics
Neto was a part of the Brazilian Under 23 squad that came second at the 2012 Olympics in London. He made two appearances in the competition.
3) National Team
However, Neto has never made an appearance for the senior Brazil side. He has been in the squad, but never managed to get off the bench.
2) Dubious goal
According to some sources, Neto once scored a goal by dribbling past every player on the pitch against City Allstars. We remain politely skeptical!
1) Contract
With his contract up at the end of the season, Neto could be a cheap option for us, and could yet arrive on a Bosman next summer, with Fiorentina having ruled out a new deal. With Mignolet struggling, and Jones on the sidelines, he could be a decent option to increase competition.