Fulham make offer for Real Betis defender Natan as Barcelona interest grows

Fulham have made a formal offer to sign Real Betis defender Natan Bernardo during the current summer transfer window, with the Brazilian also attracting interest from La Liga champions Barcelona.

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Natan has been identified as one of Fulham’s principal defensive targets. The Premier League club have already submitted an offer for the 24-year-old, although the financial details have not been disclosed.

Real Betis now face a significant challenge to retain the defender, despite Natan remaining under contract with the Spanish club until the summer of 2030.

Barcelona have also been linked with a move for the player. Natan’s representative recently confirmed the Catalan club’s interest, but said Barcelona had not made a formal offer at that stage.

Fulham’s pursuit of Natan is part of a wider effort to strengthen their central-defensive options. The London club are looking to replace Issa Diop, who moved to Ipswich Town earlier in the summer.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side could require two new centre-backs, with Fulham currently having only three experienced players available in that position: Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca.

The club are also continuing negotiations to sign Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal from Rennes. Fulham remain interested in the young Morocco defender even after an earlier offer, reportedly worth about £19.6m, was rejected earlier this month.

Ait Boudlal remains a priority target as Fulham assess further additions to their defence. The club have also been offered the opportunity to sign Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille, with the Argentina defender expected to leave the French club before the transfer window closes.

Fulham have already strengthened other areas of the squad this summer. They completed permanent deals for Goncalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios and Jonah Kusi-Asare to improve their attacking options.

The London club also signed defensive midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton. That move followed the sale of Sasa Lukic to newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.

The focus has now shifted towards central defence, where Fulham are attempting to add depth and cover ahead of the new season. Their interest in Natan comes with Barcelona also monitoring the situation, although only Fulham have so far made a formal offer for the Real Betis player.

Real Betis’ long-term contract with Natan places the Spanish club in a strong negotiating position, but the combined interest from Fulham and Barcelona could create uncertainty over the defender’s future before the summer transfer window closes.