Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas has secured a major coup, signing a former Barcelona star to bolster their squad for the 2025 season.
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas has made a significant splash in the transfer market, securing the services of a seasoned star with a storied career across Europe’s top leagues.
The Brazilian club, currently positioned seventh in the Brasileirão, has finalized a deal that brings the veteran shot-stopper back to his homeland after a 15-year stint abroad.
This move not only strengthens Botafogo’s squad but also marks a homecoming for a player whose experience and leadership are expected to bolster the team’s ambitions for the second half of the 2025 season.
The player in question is none other than Norberto Murara Neto, the 36-year-old former captain of AFC Bournemouth and a former star at Barcelona, Juventus, and Arsenal, as reported by the official website of AFC Bournemouth.
Neto, who joined Bournemouth in 2022 on a free transfer from Barcelona, made 63 appearances for the Cherries, keeping 13 clean sheets. His time in the Premier League included a loan spell at Arsenal in the 2024/25 season, where he made a single competitive appearance in the Champions League.
With his contract nearing its end in June 2026, Bournemouth agreed to a free transfer, allowing Neto to sign with Botafogo until the summer of 2027, with an option to extend for an additional six months.
This transfer represents a significant wage saving for Bournemouth, aligning with their strategy to move on high-earning squad players.
Neto’s return to Brazil is a coup for Botafogo, who are actively reinforcing their roster under manager Artur Jorge.
The goalkeeper’s extensive experience, including stints at Fiorentina, Valencia, and Juventus—where he won back-to-back Serie A titles—adds depth and reliability to the squad.
His solitary cap for Brazil in 2018 further underscores his pedigree. Botafogo’s pursuit of additional signings, including a skillful winger and an experienced defender, signals their intent to compete for titles.
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