Juventus are close to bringing Neto back to Turin, turning to a familiar and experienced figure after Kamil Grabara suffered a cruciate ligament injury.
Grabara had made a positive impression on his first appearance, showing that he could offer a dependable alternative to Guglielmo Vicario. His injury, however, has changed the department’s balance early and forced the club to seek an immediate solution. Juventus have identified Neto as the goalkeeper capable of restoring depth around Vicario, with the deal understood to be nearing completion.
The 37-year-old Brazilian would return to a club he first joined on a free transfer in 2015. During his previous three-year spell, he was not Juventus’ regular starter, but he remained part of a successful squad and reached the Champions League final in 2017.
This would be a different assignment. Neto is being considered not simply as cover, but as a senior presence for Luciano Spalletti’s group: a player familiar with the club’s demands, able to support the dressing room and step in when Vicario needs to be rested.
Since leaving Juventus, Neto has accumulated experience across several leading European environments. He played in Spain with Valencia and Barcelona, then moved to England for spells at Bournemouth and Arsenal. Last season he returned to Brazil with Botafogo.
His likely return comes at a moment when Juventus need reassurance rather than upheaval. Neto knows the surroundings, understands that he will be asked to serve the collective rather than chase a leading role, and can offer immediate experience while the club adjusts to Grabara’s absence.
