Manchester United are said to be closely monitoring Real Betis centre-back Natan, although Barcelona have moved ahead of the Red Devils by opening discussions over a potential transfer.
How Natan emerged on Barcelona’s defensive shortlist
Barcelona sporting director Deco identified Natan as a possible left-footed centre-back target in April. The defender was then offered to the Catalan club, with his agent André Cury meeting Deco in June to discuss a possible move.
On 12 August, AS stated that Barcelona remained interested but Real Betis had not received an offer. Cury said the Catalans had discussed his client with the Seville club.
Cury provided a further update later that month, saying Barcelona and Manchester City had contacted him and were seriously interested. Neither club had made a formal bid at that stage.
United commission detailed scouting reports as Barça advance
fussball-news.de now states that Barcelona have intensified their efforts, with Deco holding discussions with Cury to explore the conditions of a deal.
The outlet identifies Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus as interested clubs. The Red Devils and their Premier League rivals are monitoring Natan regularly and commissioning detailed scouting reports on the 25-year-old.
United have not moved into talks, however. The publication states: “However, there are currently no concrete negotiations with the Premier League clubs.”
Barcelona are targeting a left-footed defender with physical presence and quality in possession. Natan’s pace, aerial strength, tackling and ability to defend space behind the back line are presented as key parts of his appeal, while the player is open to joining the Spanish champions.
Betis are asking for between €40 million and €45 million, potentially including performance-related add-ons. Natan is contracted until 30 June 2030, leaving his club in a strong position, although they would consider a sale if a sufficiently lucrative offer arrived.
From Flamengo breakthrough to a permanent home at Betis
Natan developed at Flamengo and made his senior breakthrough in 2020. He was part of the squad that won the 2020 Brazilian championship before joining RB Bragantino on loan in 2021.
The centre-back recorded 104 appearances and three goals for Bragantino. Napoli signed him permanently on 7 August 2023, and he went on to make 14 Serie A appearances, six in the Champions League and one in the Coppa Italia.
Betis recruited Natan on loan with a purchase option in August 2024. He played 52 matches and scored twice in his first season, helping the club reach the Conference League final and earning selection in UEFA’s team of the season.
The Spanish side exercised their option in June 2025, paying a reported €9 million.
At the price now being discussed, United should resist being dragged into an auction before deciding that Natan is a clear upgrade rather than merely another well-scouted option. Barcelona’s head start makes a patient approach particularly sensible.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 5/10
Why?
✅ United are looking at centre-backs
✅ Natan has impressed this season and is on the radar of big clubs
✅ Agre and price point make him a viable option
⚠️ Ekrem Konur has a poor reputation among many fans
TPP View
Natan – career stats
Source: Transfermarkt · Updated 18 Oct 2026
Featured image by Fran Santiago via Getty Images