Bayer Leverkusen announced in an official statement that it had signed Barcelona talent Andrea Natali on a contract extended until the summer of 2027.
Natali is classified as one of the most important defensive talents in the world, and this was confirmed by his great role in the Italian national team achieving the European Under-17 Nations Cup a few months ago.
Barcelona tried to keep the 16-year-old player, but Leverkusen’s promise to him of participation with the first team and the better salary made him decide to leave.
As a result of the Italian defender joining Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona will receive compensation worth only 100,000 euros.
Natali began his career in the Milan youth team, and from there he moved to Espanyol before landing in Barcelona in 2021, and from there he rose until he reached the under-18 team despite his young age.
Natali’s loss may not be a big one for Barcelona, given the promotion of Pau Cobarci, who is a year older than him, to the first team and his success in establishing himself as a key player.
Barcelona has Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Andres Christensen in the centre-back position, so Natali knew that his chances of reaching the first team were almost non-existent.
