Leeds United are eyeing further defensive reinforcements after Jaka Bijol is confirmed from Udinese.
The centre-back will not be the only player signed to bolster Daniel Farke’s Leeds United backline for the Premier League, given the players departing as well.
Ethan Ampadu is needed in midfield, Max Wober is set to leave, and both Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are out of contract; it makes additions not just wanted but absolutely needed.
Reports emerged a few days ago stating Natan de Souza of Real Betis is a Leeds target this summer, with the 24-year-old impressing in La Liga and the UEFA Conference League as well.
Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League Final 2025
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Leeds told the price tag they must pay to land Betis’ Natan de Souza
Napoli loaned the Brazilian defender to Betis last summer with an option to buy. Just a few weeks ago, the club announced they exercised the €9 million buy option to make the transfer permanent this summer.
The versatile 24-year-old is predominantly a central defender but can operate as a left-back. Despite signing permanent terms this summer until 2030, it’s possible that Betis could be open to selling Natan if they can make a significant profit.
Estadio Deportivo now report the latest information regarding Leeds’ pursuit. They state formal calls with Lazio and Leeds have taken place, as well as with two other clubs that have not been disclosed, asking about Natan.
They state Betis have rejected a whopping €27 million for their now-owned player until 2030. They are aware that his age means he has resale value this summer beyond that figure.
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Their intention is to retain him as part of a new-look defensive axis in 2025/26, along with Marc Bartra, a second signing to replace Nobel Mendy, but also former Leeds defender Diego Llorente.
Not only that, but a price tag has been set for Natan’s departure, which is around €45 million. An amount that, for now, none of his suitors have considered paying.
That would mean a club-record for Leeds, with €45 million around £38.5 million and more than either Rodrigo or Georginio Rutter if they are serious about signing Natan.
Does Natan make sense for Leeds? What would it mean for Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon
Of course, Natan can be utilised at left-back but signing him would raise question marks over Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk’s futures.
Leeds need depth and also flexibility, and having a central defender who can also play at full-back is perfect for numerous roles in a back four or back five system.
In a back five with three centre-backs, Bijol would thrive in the central role. But that then leaves Struijk, Rodon, and Natan to cover the wide centre-back roles.
That tactical flexibility is a must, but Leeds won’t be dropping close to £40 million on a defender this summer — especially when the budget has to stretch to so many different areas of the team.
Natan is an interesting profile but Leeds are savvier operators in the market these days than to be a club who would drop anything close to that figure on him.