Following the loan departure of Ronald Araujo, it was repored that FC Barcelona will enter the market for a new defender.
The Blaugrana, led by sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick, were understood to be looking for a left-footed centre-back, giving ways to links with several names.
While Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Club was touted as a key target, another name on the La Liga champions’ radars was Natan of Real Betis.
Natan addresses future
Natan was expected to be one of the main figures in Real Betis’ transfer window, but so far his prominence has come more from rumours than concrete offers.
Los Verdiblancos have not received the bids they were expecting for the Brazilian, although his name continues to circulate in the market, especially with Barcelona, with his agent, Andre Cury, even admitting contacts with the Catalans.
Natan is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
That, combined with Betis’ need to create salary-cap space through a major sale, has kept Natan’s name in the headlines.
But Natan has now decided to send a clear message to everyone about his future.
Speaking after Betis’ training session on Tuesday, he said (h/t AS): “I have a contract with Betis and I’m happy here, I want to make that clear.”
As mentioned previously, The rumours were recently fuelled by his own representative, who confirmed Barcelona’s interest while also making clear that no offer had been submitted.
Natan’s value could rise
Natan will be able to begin the paperwork for Spanish citizenship in a couple of months. Obtaining an EU passport would increase his value in the transfer market.
Betis had valued Natan at €30 million, but the expected offers have not arrived.
Natan insists he is happy at Betis. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Barcelona are keeping an eye on the potential signing of another centre-back following Araujo’s departure, and although the Brazilian defender has been admired by the Catalan club for some time, no move has materialised.
For now, the defensive signing is not seen as a priority by Deco and Flick, with their full focus on closing a deal for a new striker, with Julian Alvarez being the primary target.
Once the No. 9 situation is sorted, the Blaugrana could revisit their pursuit of a left-footed defender, with Natan among the names admired.