Barcelona could face Premier League competition for 25-year-old La Liga defender – report

According to journalist Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCABarcelona are continuing to monitor Real Betis defender Natan as a potential transfer target.

However, the La Liga champions could face serious competition for the 25-year-old, with multiple Premier League clubs also tracking him for the summer of 2027.

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Barcelona keeping tabs on Natan

Barcelona have decided to enter the market for a new centre-back after deciding not to strengthen the position during the summer.

Injuries to Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde in recent weeks have highlighted the lack of depth in the position, prompting the club to reassess the situation.

The Blaugrana would ideally prefer to sign a new left-footed centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window itself.

Natan is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

In that regard, several players have already been identified as possible targets, with Natan of Betis among them.

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The 25-year-old Brazilian fits the profile of players that the sporting department, led by Deco, is looking for, and as such, the Blaugrana are keeping a close eye on him.

Premier League clubs show interest

However, as per Moretto, Barcelona are not alone in tracking Natan as several clubs from the Premier League are also showing an interest.

In fact, several teams have already enquired about the centre-half as they view him as a potential target for the summer of 2027.

The journalist further states that Real Betis will not let Natan leave the club in January, which would be a blow for Barcelona’s schemes.

Premier League clubs also keeping tabs on Natan. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

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Even though the two clubs share a strong working relationship, the 25-year-old defender is considered a key part of the plans under Manuel Pellegrini, and as such, an exit in January is unlikely.

However, a sale could materialise in the summer. Whether Barcelona are prepared to wait until then to strengthen their backline remains the big question.

Even if the Catalan heavyweights decide to do so, the involvement of clubs from the Premier League in the pursuit could lead to a bidding war for the Brazilian star.

Apart from Natan, Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig is also a target for the La Liga champions, but a January move is ruled out for him.

Barcelona are also looking at Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, who could be a more realistic target for the winter window.