Botafogo are signing Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto in a free transfer, following the Brazilian’s loan to Arsenal in 2024/25.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Botafogo have reached an agreement with AFC Bournemouth for the permanent signing of Neto, with no fee involved in the move.
Bournemouth have agreed to the free transfer to save money on wages, with Neto one of the club’s highest earners prior to his exit.
The goalkeeper only had a year left on his deal anyway, and he’s now set to sign with Botafogo on a contract until June 2027, plus an option to extend by six months. The Brazilian football schedule operates on a calendar-year basis, hence the unusual short-term extension option.
Neto played on loan for Arsenal in 2024/25, but he made just one competitive appearance in a 2-1 Champions League win over Girona.
The 36-year-old actually made more appearances for Bournemouth than Arsenal last season, playing three times before his loan was agreed. And that was part of the problem, with the goalkeeper getting himself cup-tied in the League Cup.
Neto had decided to leave Bournemouth in 2024 due to the club’s decision to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. A year later, Neto’s spot in Arsenal’s squad has also been filled by Kepa’s permanent transfer.
With Arsenal somewhat tanking the veteran goalkeeper’s value by failing to find any minutes for him, it’s no surprise that Bournemouth had to take the hit and let him go for nothing.