Betis to make Natan loan move from Napoli permanent

Spanish La Liga side Betis has moved to turn the loan deal for Brazilian defender, Natan Bernardo de Souza into a permanent signing.

24-year-old Natan spent last season on loan at the Spanish club from Napoli and was a key part of the team that finished sixth in La Liga last season and also reached the final of the UEFA Conference League, before eventually losing to Chelsea.

He played 31 times in La Liga and made 17 appearances in the Conference League, to finish with over 4,000 minutes competitive football in his legs - more than anyone else in the squad of the Seville-based outfit.

Betis will pay around nine million euros for Natan (10.25 million US dollars) and the player has agreed a contract until the end of June 2030.

The club's performances last season mean it will play in the Europa League in the 2025-26 campaign and the club is still looking into ways to try and keep hold of Natan's fellow Brazilian, Antony.

Antony arrived on loan from Manchester United in January and gave the club's season a major boost with his brilliant displays on the wing and nine goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

Betis wants to make Antony's loan permanent, but will struggle to match United's asking price for a player who cost over 80 million pounds and has wages to match.