Newcastle United, West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth are all in the picture to sign Real Betis’ Natan.
At the start of this month, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Bournemouth, West Ham and Crystal Palace are keen on signing him. The same source stated the La Liga side need €40m.
Newcastle United now join West Ham and Bournemouth in the chase for the centre-back.
He initially joined the Andalusian club on loan from Napoli in August 2024 and impressed last season. This convinced Real Betis to exercise the €9m purchase option and he has starred this season.
Natan has played 3,472 minutes from 41 matches so far this season. His La Liga stats are as follows:
- Appearances: 29
- Starts: 29
- Total minutes played: 2,527
- Interceptions per game: 1.2
- Tackles per game: 1.1
- Recoveries per game: 3.0
- Clearances per game: 6.7
- Blocked shots per game: 0.7
- Duels won per game: 3.7
Barcelona concern for PL trio
Thursday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo mention Newcastle United, West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth in a report focusing on Barcelona.
Hansi Flick’s side are focusing on improving their defence and attack in the next window.
Alessandro Bastoni is their main defensive target, but Barca are refusing to meet Inter Milan’s €70m price.
Their priority is to sign Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez and they’ll need a lot of money to secure the striker’s services.
Therefore, the Catalan club are looking at other options for the defence.
Natan has been offered to Barcelona and would be a relatively low-cost signing.
Newcastle United, West Ham and Bournemouth are ‘very interested’ in the 25-year-old. His value has increased and Real Betis accept the Brazilian’s sale is likely after this season, also to balance their books.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side hope to collect €35m for the defender and this is €5m less than the earlier claim. However, sources close to Natan insist he could leave for around €30m.
Our take: Natan needs convincing
Real Betis are open to selling the South American, who is also ready to move. However, his desire is to extend his stay in Spain.
Therefore, Newcastle United, West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth or another English club have to convince Natan to make a switch to England. The €30-35m price shouldn’t be a problem for the Premier League sides.
The defender’s contract is until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at €25m.
