Ex-Liverpool coach reveals failed transfer attempt for new Arsenal signing
Former Liverpool coach John Achterberg has revealed the club tried to sign goalkeeper Neto several times before he joined Arsenal.
The Gunners signed the Brazilian on a season-long loan from Bournemouth during the summer in order to provide backup to David Raya, with Aaron Ramsdale making the permanent move to Southampton.
Neto first made the move to the Premier League in 2022 when he joined Bournemouth, having previously had spells with the likes of Juventus, Valencia and Barcelona in an impressive CV. Had Liverpool had their way though, he might have joined fellow countryman Alisson Becker at Anfield.
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“I looked at everything every year when there were new goalies coming in the leagues,” Achterberg told the LFC Transfer Room Podcast. “I’d try to find them, make lists on that and then if I found goalkeepers who played the way we wanted to play I’d come back to that.
"Neto was a goalkeeper we tried a few times to get as well, but that didn’t come off. He could play the way we wanted to play. When you’re at Liverpool there aren’t too many at the top level to find."
Neto is yet to make his first appearance for Arsenal since joining the north London club, although he could be in line to feature in the Gunners’ Carabao Cup tie against Bolton on Wednesday.
Speaking about his switch to the Emirates in the summer, Neto said: “I’m realizing a dream in my life, a dream come true, and I’m really, really happy. I had two dreams as a kid to play for a football team. It was my team in Brazil, where I grew up and became a professional footballer, and also Arsenal. And now I’m realizing it! I’m a really lucky person.”
Liverpool.com says: Neto would have certainly made a good backup to Alisson had he signed for Liverpool, although he may well have prevented Caoimhin Kelleher from getting as many chances as he has over the years, so it certainly doesn’t feel like the Reds have missed out by any stretch of the imagination.
Considering he is only on loan at Arsenal, Neto could well be someone Liverpool looks at again next summer if they want an experienced option to replace Kelleher, who looks increasingly likely to leave, especially with Giorgi Mamardashvili coming in. At 35, he might not be able to give the Reds many years, but he could play the Adrian role as a senior figure in the goalkeeping department.