Barcelona regrets not signing him

Barcelona fans pondered their signing for weeks, but ultimately decided to prioritize other positions.

Héctor Andreu | 8 Sep 2026 | 10.32
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Barcelona continues to think about Natan / Eldesmarque
Barcelona continues to think about Natan / Eldesmarque

La Liga
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Real Betis Getafe
17/09/26 19:00:00
1.85 3.40 4.20

Natan, a 25-year-old center-back from Real Betis, once again stands out as an option in the transfer market of FC Barcelona after his performance against Real Madrid in the fourth matchday of LaLiga. The Brazilian had already been linked to the Catalan club during the summer transfer window, with Betis setting a possible sale price at around 40 million euros.

His name resurfaces not due to new negotiations but because of a performance that reignites existing discussions in Barcelona. Deco had been looking for a left-footed center-back during the summer, and Natan was among the profiles associated with that search before the transfer window closed.

Natan shines again against Real Madrid

His latest standout performance came in the Betis-Real Madrid match on September 4, which ended with a 1-0 victory for the green-and-whites. Natan started and made a crucial intervention just before halftime by clearing a chance from Kylian Mbappé off the goal line.

The Brazilian partnered with Diego Llorente in central defense and played in a game where Madrid created chances but failed to score. Álvaro Valles also saved a late penalty from Mbappé, following a foul on Vinicius, in which Natan was involved.

The match highlighted some of the traits that attracted interest from FC Barcelona: being left-footed, standing at 1.88 meters, and capable of playing as a center-back in an advanced line. His contract situation also impacts any potential market moves, as he is tied to Betis until June 30, 2030.

FC Barcelona already inquired about his situation

Barça's interest predates the Madrid match. In August, Natan's camp confirmed Barcelona had shown interest in signing him after considering various options for the defensive setup.

However, Real Betis did not receive a concrete offer at that time. Their stance was clear: after purchasing the player from Napoli for approximately 10 million euros, they were only willing to consider a sale if the offer approached 40 million.

Natan initially arrived on loan from the Italian side in 2024. His first season in Seville saw him play 52 matches and score two goals, prompting Betis to exercise the buy option and extend his contract until 2030. He was also included in the Conference League's best XI that season.

During August, the player himself hinted at his satisfaction in Sevilla. Coupled with the absence of a convincing offer for Betis, this situation prevented any transfer before the window closed.

Natan, el fichaje que necesitaba el Barcelona

Barça ends the transfer window without signing another center-back

The move didn't progress as FC Barcelona concluded the summer without making a specific investment in another left-footed center-back. Hansi Flick utilized Gerard Martín in that position, and the team started LaLiga with a perfect record of 12 points from 12 and just two goals conceded after four matches.

While the strong start reduces immediate pressure, long-term planning remains. Deco had identified the position as one to review, and Natan's display against Madrid provides additional insight before the market reopens.

The next transfer window arrives in January, and unless there is a shift in Real Betis' stance, any pursuit of Natan will need to align with the 40 million euro valuation. Until then, his performances in the league and Champions League will determine if FC Barcelona pushes to make a concrete move for the Brazilian once more.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El no-fichaje del que se arrepiente el Barcelona