Barcelona's Neglected Signing That Highlights Deco's Shortcomings

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Barcelona Racing Santander

16/09/26 21:30:00

1.06 14.00 23.00

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Natan, 25-year-old Brazilian center-back for Real Betis, was on FC Barcelona's transfers list during the last market, but Deco and Joan Laporta rejected an operation that was around €30-35 million. Just a few weeks later, the defender has started the season with performances and goals that once again bring that decision into focus.

Samba by Natan! 😜🇧🇷#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/MxKicObJgu

— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) September 14, 2026

Natan responds on the field after Barcelona's rejection

Barça considered bringing in Natan to bolster the defense. Betis had made the Brazilian its own after exercising its purchase option from Napoli and had no need to part ways with a player under contract until June 30, 2030.

The value discussed during the summer was between €30 and 35 million, while his market value was €25 million. Eventually, the sports management of FC Barcelona decided not to proceed and focused its efforts on other positions in the squad.

The start of the season has reignited the debate. Natan has maintained his starting role under Manuel Pellegrini and scored one of the goals in the 1-2 victory against Villarreal on Sunday. The result allowed Betis to reach 12 points and sit in second place, level with Real Madrid.

His contribution is not limited to the attacking end. The Brazilian was a starter in the 1-0 win over Real Madrid on September 4, playing the full 90 minutes and blocking a chance from Kylian Mbappé inside the box when the match was still level.

Betis has Natan secured until 2030

The contractual situation positions Betis strongly against any future interest. Natan is under contract until 2030, after the Seville team exercised the purchase option included in the loan from Napoli in 2025.

The cost of that operation was around €9 million. The subsequent growth of the center-back had already increased his valuation to €25 million, nearly three times the investment made by the verdiblanco club.

His previous performance also explains this evolution. During his first season in Seville, he played 52 games and scored two goals, helping Betis secure European qualification and reach the final of the Conference League. Additionally, he was included in the competition's Team of the Season.

He now faces his third season in LaLiga under a different scenario. If he maintains his starting spot, adds goals, and delivers performances like those against Villarreal or Real Madrid, Betis can raise their demands even further in future markets.

Barça's decision might become more costly

FC Barcelona had the chance to negotiate when the deal hovered around €30-35 million, an amount that already exceeded Natan's market value. His subsequent performances do not reveal how much he will cost in January or next summer, but they do strengthen Betis' negotiating position.

Natan's next step will be to maintain this form over the upcoming months in LaLiga and the Champions League. If he succeeds, it is likely that new suitors will emerge, and exercising that option again will be much more expensive for any club looking to engage with Betis again.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El fichaje descartado del Barcelona que deja en evidencia a Deco