Neto tipped for Juventus return as free agent after nine years

Neto tipped for Juventus return as free agent after nine years A familiar face to Serie A viewers is emerging as the favourite free agent to join Juventus, as former Juve, Fiorentina and Arsenal goalkeeper Neto is tipped to sign. The Bianconeri found themselves suddenly scrambling for a new shot-stopper, after Kamil Grabara was ruled out for at least four to six months by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 17: Kamil Grabara and Nick Woltemade of Juventus acknowledge the fans after the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and N.E.C. Nijmegen at Juventus Stadium on September 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Guglielmo Vicario is first choice after his arrival on loan with option to buy from Tottenham Hotspur, but there is no understudy ready to step in. Coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed the club is seeking a free agent to bolster their options, and names mentioned include Sergio Rico, Alfred Gomis and Adam Stejskal. Neto top target for Juventus TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Norberto Murara Neto of Juventus FC looks on during the TIM Cup match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Arena on February 28, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) However, the favourite is someone who already has experience not just of Italian football, but specifically also of the Juventus jersey. Neto wore the Bianconeri shirt from 2015 to 2017, making 22 appearances, and before that first came to Serie A for Fiorentina in 2011. TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Norberto Murara Neto of Juventus FC gestures during the TIM Cup match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Arena on February 28, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Since the departure from Turin in 2017, the 37-year-old has played for Valencia, Barcelona, Bournemouth, Arsenal and Botafogo, becoming a free agent when the Brazilian contract expired on June 30. There are several reasons why he would be a wise choice, including his low wage expectations and the fact he has Italian citizenship, so won’t count as a non-EU player.