Leeds United Are Monitoring 25-Year-Old La Liga Centre-Back: Should Daniel Farke Press In? | OneFootball

Leeds United are monitoring Real Betis centre-back Natan. According to Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla, via Sport Witness, the 25-year-old Brazilian has popped up on the radar at Elland Road, though he will not come cheap.

Leeds United Eye Record-Breaking Move for Betis Star Natan

Betis paid a modest €10 million for the defender two years ago. Now? They want at least €45 million. His stock is high. Transfermarkt puts his valuation at a career-peak €25 million, meaning the Spanish side stand to make a massive profit. They mean business, too. West Ham saw a €35 million loan-to-buy bid rejected in January because the cash wouldn’t hit the books in time for that financial year. That timing hitch killed the deal on the spot. The Hammers are still keen. So are Roma.

It is easy to see why. Natan is left-footed, quick, and brilliant in open play. Betis just qualified for the Champions League, yet they know he is their premier financial asset. Selling him frees up a vital non-EU squad slot, a massive bonus for their upcoming European campaign. Barcelona are also lurking.

Should Farke Pull the Trigger?

SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 12: Pablo Fornals of Real Betis celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Natan of Real Betis during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis Balompie and Elche CF at Estadio La Cartuja on May 12, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Daniel Farke needs a centre-back. Desperately. But spending roughly £38 million on a single defender is a massive gamble for a club establishing its Premier League credentials.

The football logic is there. Quality left-footed centre-backs are gold dust right now. Farke’s system requires ball-playing defenders who can transition quickly, and Natan fits that blueprint perfectly. He has spent two years thriving in La Liga. He is entering his prime.

Money talks, though. Leeds United must structure this smartly. If Elland Road chiefs can clear the funds before June 30th, they can exploit the exact accounting loophole that ruined West Ham’s winter pursuit. Betis want cold, hard cash, not a saga.

Natan offers the mobility and pressing intensity Leeds currently lack at the back. It beats buying a cheap, one-dimensional stopgap. If the alternative options at this price point look mediocre, Elland Road officials need to get this over the line.