Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €50m-rated Brazil defender as key target for next season – report
According to a recent report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid have begun closely monitoring Natan, a centre-back currently playing for Real Betis.
The outlet mentions that the Brazilian has convincingly built a strong reputation in La Liga, and his performances have not gone unnoticed at Real Madrid.
Within Real Madrid’s sporting structure, there is a growing belief that Natan could be the type of defensive reinforcement needed for the next phase of the project under Alvaro Arbeloa.
The club’s defensive planning is already underway, and the Betis defender is now one of the names being discussed internally.
Significant investment needed
Reports suggest that Real Madrid have been tracking Natan for some time rather than reacting suddenly to his recent form.
As such, a potential transfer fee has been estimated in the region of €40–50 million, a figure that is quite a lot considering his exposure.
It is known that defensive reinforcement has become a clear priority for Madrid.
The club is fully aware that weaknesses remain in the current squad, particularly looking ahead to next season, where certain players are expected to leave.
It is in this regard that Natan has emerged as a serious candidate rather than a passing name on a long list.
Player focused on Betis
As it turns out, not everyone believes a move is imminent, as the player himself remains fully focused on finishing the season strongly with Betis.
From the defender’s point of view, the priority is performance and consistency, not speculation.
Furthermore, as one can expect, Real Madrid are far from alone in their interest, as several Premier League clubs are also tracking the 24-year-old closely.
Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all made enquiries in recent months.
Some even explored his availability during the winter transfer window, but Real Betis made it clear that the defender is non-transferable at this moment.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
