Leeds United Daniel Farke
Pranav Shahaney
Mon 23 June 2025 18:10, UK
Leeds United are understood to be ramping up their pursuit of Real Betis defender Natan de Souza this summer.
Despite Jaka Bijol moving to Elland Road, the Whites are understood to be keen on another centre-back.
Daniel Farke wants the board to give him the required signings in order to avoid relegation from the top flight at the end of next season.
Jaka Bijol Leeds
Bijol appears set to join Leeds. (Credit: Hasan Karim)
Real Betis turn down £23m bid for Natan
Estadio Deportivo sources claim (23 June) that Real Betis have recently turned down a bid of £23million for the 24-year-old.
They have not mentioned which club the bid came from, but Natan is a man in demand this summer.
Club Appearances Goals Assists
RB Bragantino 104 3 2
Real Betis 52 2 2
Napoli 21 – 1
Flamengo 18 1 –
Natan’s career stats.
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Leeds have already made a formal call to Betis for Natan and he’s also on the radar of Serie A outfit Lazio.
It’s understood that the La Liga outfit are looking at around £38million for the Brazilian defender.
Elland Road
Elland Road, home of Leeds. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United may want to spend £38m on a striker instead
Leeds United would prioritise spending £38million on a marquee striker over Natan, as their defensive reinforcements are already addressed with the imminent signing of Bijol, a commanding centre-back from Udinese.
His arrival strengthens Leeds’ backline alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, reducing the need for another defender like Natan, whose inconsistent performances at Napoli and high price tag don’t justify the investment.
Instead, Leeds desperately need a proven goalscorer to guarantee Premier League survival.
Current strikers Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph lack the clinical edge required, with Bamford’s injury concerns and Joseph still being raw.
A £38million striker could deliver 15+ league goals, complementing Daniel Farke’s attacking system and ensuring the firepower needed to compete.
Leeds’ ambition to establish themselves in the top flight hinges on securing a transformative forward, not another defender
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