- Crystal Palace interested in Natan
- Real Betis star also wanted by West Ham
- The Brazilian previously linked with Real Madrid
Crystal Palace are reportedly one of four Premier League clubs looking to sign Real Betis defender Natan. The South London club are expected to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer following Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City in January.
Several names have been linked with Palace, including Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez. The Eagles tried signing the Ecuadorian in the winter, but he missed out on a much-desired move.
Ordonez appears to still be on the wishlist alongside two other options to strengthen the defence. But Natan has been added amid a fine season at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Palace Notice Natan
According to Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla, Palace are joined in the race for Natan by West Ham, Bournemouth and Brentford. A Premier League switch could be on the cards, although there is also interest from Serie A clubs.
Natan is a left-footed centre-back who is dominant and strong in the air. He has appeared 37 times across competitions this season and is a key man in Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis team.
West Ham failed with an offer for the 25-year-old in January because the La Liga club didn’t want to sell at the time. But he could be on the move this summer and Selhurst Park could be his destination.
Palace might hold an advantage over their Premier League rivals because of their recent business with Betis. The Eagles swooped for Chadi Riad, signing him from the Spanish outfit in July 2024 for £14m.
Natan joined the Spaniards from Serie A giants Napoli just last summer. That means they are under no pressure to cash in on him and can expect their valuation to be met.
A Palace Rebuild
The Brazilian is highly rated, with even Real Madrid reportedly monitoring him, per Defensa Central. That speaks volumes of his talent, and he could be a superb signing that kickstarts a new era at Selhurst Park.
That report claims the Betis defender could cost around £35-45m, just shy of the club record fee paid for Jorgen Strand Larsen earlier this year. There’s no certainty Natan will arrive, but he ticks plenty of boxes.
A new manager will take over as Oliver Glasner leaves his role in June, when his contract expires. There’s no word on who will replace him, although the latest name to be linked is Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, who is under pressure at Stamford Bridge.
