Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly asked club officials to sign Real Betis defender Natan in January, though the Brazilian’s preference for a move to Barcelona could complicate any approach.
Hugo Viana: What do we make of the Man City sporting director's work so far?More Videos
Recruitment is always in the works at Manchester City and the Etihad Stadium's offices, and a long summer of heavy spending across a number of positions, there is seemingly still plenty of work to do on the squad.
The latest name to reportedly pop up on manager Enzo Maresca’s transfer wish-list is currently plying his trade in Seville, and it is one profile and talent the City coach is said to know very well.
According to fresh reports in Spain, the Manchester City manager has formally asked the club to act when the winter window opens, although whether his request is granted - and if the player himself will agree to a move - are questions for the weeks ahead.
Enzo Maresca targets Real Betis' Natan
The man in question is Brazilian defender Natan, a Real Betis centre-back who has been a near-constant presence in the Spanish top-flight since joining from Serie A giants Napoli three years ago.
As first reported by Fichero in Spain, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Enzo Maresca has asked his Manchester City higher-ups to try and strike a deal for the Sao Paulo-born star in January.
The Italian's admiration for Natan goes back more than a year, with Maresca reportedly starting to track the player while in charge of Chelsea, and watching him at close quarters when his side beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in May 2025.
Obstacles stand in Manchester City’s way
Securing the 25-year-old would not be straightforward as Real Betis, who paid around €9 million to make an initial loan from Napoli permanent, are reported to value him at around €40 million - a big jump from the €27 million bid Leeds United saw rejected in the summer.
Brentford and Fulham were also credited with interest before this season, yet none of the three Premier League clubs got a deal over the line, highlighting how keen Manuel Pellegrini’s men are to keep hold of the defender.
A second and bigger hurdle may well be the player’s own preference, with Natan said to have his sights set on Barcelona, who expressed an interest in the summer without lodging a formal offer.
Should City make a move of their own in the coming months, they would first need to convince the defender that his future lies in the North-West of England rather than Catalonia.
Where would Natan fit in this Man City side?
Any move would add further depth to an area Manchester City are already well stocked, with Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis all options at centre-back, with Joško Gvardiol another who can operate there when required.
Even so, Enzo Maresca’s apparent determination to land Natan hints at a desire to raise the competition for places even higher by signing a player who racked up more than 3,700 minutes across 45 appearances last season, and featured on Carlo Ancelotti’s provisional list for Brazil’s FIFA World Cup squad, though he is yet to win a first senior cap.