Juventus have officially signed goalkeeper Norberto Neto to resolve a sudden squad crisis following a severe training injury to Polish international Kamil Grabara in Turin.
The Italian Serie A club announced on Monday that the experienced Brazilian goalkeeper has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2027.
The move comes after Grabara suffered a torn cruciate ligament during a training session, just two days after making his competitive debut for the club. The severe knee injury will keep the Polish goalkeeper out of training and match action for several months.
Grabara had enjoyed a successful start to his Juventus career, keeping a clean sheet and providing an assist during a match against Dutch side Nijmegen in the UEFA Europa League. However, his injury forced the Italian giants to react swiftly in the transfer market to secure coverage in goal.
Return to Turin
Neto is returning to familiar surroundings in northern Italy, having previously played for Juventus between 2015 and 2017. Juventus, based in Turin, are one of the most successful clubs in Italian football, competing in Italy's top division, Serie A.
During his first two-year spell with the club, the Brazilian made 22 appearances across all competitions. He built a strong domestic record in Turin, winning two Serie A league titles, two Coppa Italia trophies, and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Juventus confirmed in an official statement that Norberto Neto would wear the club's shirt once again after agreeing terms on his return to Turin.
Career path and squad role
After departing Turin in 2017, the Brazilian goalkeeper built an extensive career across Europe's top domestic leagues. He spent time in Spain representing La Liga clubs Valencia and Barcelona, before moving to England for spells with Premier League teams Bournemouth and Arsenal.
Neto most recently returned to his homeland of Brazil to play for Botafogo before accepting the offer to rejoin Juventus.
Despite Neto's arrival to strengthen the squad, Guglielmo Vicario is expected to remain the starting choice in goal for Juventus.
