A €35 million Real Betis defender has entered talks with FC Barcelona as the Catalan club continues its search for defensive reinforcements.
Following the sudden departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool, sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have reopened their search for elite defensive reinforcements to ensure adequate squad depth for the demanding season ahead.
Following Araujo’s departure, Barcelona have re-established active contact with the player’s representative, Andre Cury, to discuss the precise financial framework required to bring the 25-year-old to Catalonia.
The target at the center of these backroom discussions is Brazilian center-back Natan Bernardo de Souza, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Valued at €35 million by Real Betis, Natan has established himself as one of Manuel Pellegrini’s most reliable performers in La Liga.
Crucially, the player has reportedly prioritized a move to Barcelona over lucrative interest from Premier League clubs, viewing a transfer to Spotify Camp Nou as the ideal step in his career.
Hansi Flick’s tactical vision has played a fundamental role in shifting Barcelona’s defensive focus toward Natan.
Flick specifically sought a profile capable of operating naturally as a left-sided central defender to partner teenage sensation Pau Cubarsí.
Natan’s physical presence, strong aerial dominance, and composure when playing out from the back match Flick’s high-pressing tactical setup.
While alternative targets such as Cristian Romero opted for rival projects like Atletico Madrid, Natan’s availability presents an immediate and financially viable opportunity.
Real Betis are open to negotiating a structured transfer package around €30 million fixed plus €5 million in performance-related add-ons.
With the salary space cleared from Araujo’s loan move, Deco is actively evaluating whether to finalize formal terms with Betis before the transfer deadline passes.
If negotiations conclude successfully over the coming days, Natan will arrive as a core pillar of Hansi Flick’s defensive rotation for the 2026–27 campaign.
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