Agent confirms Barcelona interest in signing La Liga defender | OneFootball

Barcelona are expected to step up their efforts to sign a new centre-back this summer, now that Ronald Araujo has joined Liverpool. Targets are being drawn up by sporting director Deco, with one of those being Natan.

Barcelona are keen to sign a left-sided central defender as a replacement for Inigo Martinez, whom they sold last summer to Al-Nassr. This is one of the reasons why they have discarded the option of Cristian Romero, but Natan is someone that fits the bill, especially as he has experience of playing in La Liga with Real Betis.

At this stage, Barcelona’s interest in Natan is in its infancy, but according to his agent Andre Cury (via Sport), there have already been club-to-club talks with Betis in recent weeks, which confirms that the Catalans are ready to make a move if the green light is given by head coach Hansi Flick.

“It is true that Barcelona are interested in signing Natan, but we have not yet received any official offer. Barcelona didn’t talk to me, but they did talk to the Real Betis board about their interest in signing Natan this summer. If Betis receive a good offer, I think he will be able to leave.”

Natan signing would make a lot of sense for Barcelona

At this late stage of the summer, Barcelona will know that they do not have many options on the market that can be explored. Natan is one of the best that fits the profile of player they want while also being financially viable, although Betis are still likely to demand a fee in the region of €40-50m.

For now, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona take their interest in Natan further. They are yet to open talks with Cury, although that could happen sooner rather than later.