AZ Alkmaar set to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender permanently | OneFootball

18-year-old center-back Andrea Natali is next in line to leave Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent basis after Alejo Sarco. After his initial loan to AZ Alkmaar, the Eredivisie side are ready to sign the Italian U19 international permanently.

According to Kicker, the transfer fee could reach €3 million with bonuses. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen secured 25% of future transfer profit from Alkmaar. The transfer is expected to be completed shortly as the two clubs reach full agreement.

Several Italian clubs and Brighton were interested in the young defender, but the player opted to stay in the Netherlands. During his loan spell, Natali has only played for Alkmaar’s youth teams, including UEFA Youth League games.

Natali joined Bayer Leverkusen’s ranks on a free transfer from FC Barcelona two years ago. Just before his move to Die Werkself, he played a key part when Italy won the U17 Euros by conceding only two goals during the tournament.