As per AS, the deal to take Alvaro Morata to Barcelona is 95 per cent done, and the Spaniard is likely to become the club’s third winter signing. Meanwhile, reserve goalkeeper Neto wants to leave the team in the coming weeks.
The Spain international joined Juventus from Atletico Madrid at the start of the 2020/21 season for an initial year-long loan deal, which the Bianconeri extended by another year the following summer. According to the report, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Juventus over the premature termination of the striker’s temporary deal and one with his parent club Atletico Madrid for his loan and optional future purchase.
Morata will travel to Barcelona soon to undergo medical examinations and sign for the club on an 18-month loan deal. If all goes well, head coach Xavi Hernandez will have the 29-year-old forward to call upon when his side faces rivals Real Madrid – also Morata’s boyhood club – on January 12.
Meanwhile, as per El Nacional, one player who might not continue with Barcelona beyond the January transfer window is reserve goalkeeper Neto Murara. The custodian intends to return to his homeland Brazil to sign for Flamengo, who have retained an interest in the player since last summer.
The 32-year-old signed for Barcelona in a dubious player switch with Valencia, who received Jasper Cillessen in exchange in summer 2019. He has since played second-fiddle to Marc-Andre ter Stegen while making only 19 appearances.
Nevertheless, Barcelona still want Flamengo to pay them a fee for Neto’s services, which could be a sticking point in any potential deals. His departure would also leave the Blaugrana weak in the goalkeeping department, as the club would have to rely upon academy graduates Inaki Pena and Arnau Tenas to provide backup to ter Stegen.
Neto’s departure could help Barcelona free up some space on their wage bill, which they need urgently to register new signings. The club is yet to register big winter arrival Ferran Torres and is also on the verge of bringing Morata in.
