- Newcastle United keen on Real Betis star
- La Liga side want £35m as a minimum
- West Ham and AFC Bournemouth also linked
As the Premier League season draws to a close, the transfer window—often dubbed the “silly season”—begins, and for Newcastle United, a wave of rumours and speculation is expected to circulate among both the media and supporters.
According to the Newcastle Chronicle, the Magpies are preparing an offer for Real Betis defender Natan. However, they face competition from Barcelona, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Betis have made it clear they have little interest in losing their Brazilian defender this summer. A deal for the 25-year-old has become more complicated with the club currently sitting in fifth place. Similar to the Premier League, this position could secure them an additional Champions League spot.
Premier League sides West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth are also in the race, although it is believed it could cost around £35 million to bring him to St James’ Park.
Who is Newcastle United target Natan?
The Brazilian is a left-footed centre-back who would fit seamlessly into Newcastle’s system, which currently features a left-sided defender in Dan Burn.
He possesses excellent on-ball ability and is capable of playing line-breaking passes into midfield or out wide to full-backs and wingers, helping to create attacking opportunities. At present, Eddie Howe’s side lack a truly elite line-breaking defender, which could make Natan an attractive option.
He also has good pace to deal with opposition runs in behind, and this is complemented by his physical strength, making him a reliable presence at the back.
Natan only moved to Spain last summer from Napoli, where he made just 14 Serie A appearances during their title-winning campaign. The move was important for his development after a difficult spell in Naples, and he has improved significantly since joining Los Verdiblancos.
He fits the profile Newcastle are looking for. He has battled through a challenging period in which he was not considered a key player and moved clubs to rediscover his form—something he is now beginning to show.
£35 million is not a cheap fee, but it is not excessive either, and if Howe is targeting a player of his quality, there may be few better options available at that price point.
Newcastle United can improve current defensive options
Malick Thiaw has settled well on Tyneside since arriving from AC Milan last summer. While there has been speculation about potential interest from other clubs, the German is expected to remain.
However, Newcastle’s other options are less certain. Sven Botman, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn have all suffered significant setbacks at various points this season, while the latter two are among the more experienced—and ageing—players in the squad.
Botman, despite showing clear quality at St James’ Park, has spent extended periods sidelined and has struggled for consistency since returning.
Natan would offer a fresh option at centre-back, an area that has shown signs of decline under Howe this season, and his arrival could prove important as Newcastle look to strengthen and move forward.
In other news, ‘Serious Possibility’: Fabrizio Romano sends Newcastle United £30m transfer boost.
