Why Natan is the powerhouse defender Leeds can rely on as Daniel Farke hunts new centre-back

Leeds United would be signing a defender in Natan who "likes a battle" and can handle Barcelona forwards, MOT Leeds News has exclusively been told.

The big-money arrival of Tarik Muharemovic has signalled Leeds' intent to get stronger in central defence ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Losing Pascal Struijk to Brighton was a blow, but with the Bosnian now through the door and now John Stones being widely touted to Elland Road, it doesn't appear as though the Whites are done adding here just yet.

Natan is another name who has been consistently linked with Leeds this summer, but could be getting pushed down the transfer to-do list behind the likes of Stones.

An experience defender despite still only being 25-years old, the Real Betis star is understood to have been subject of a transfer enquiry from Elland Road over the last few weeks.

However, a move to West Yorkshire may not be something that hugely appeals to him, but if it does, Leeds would come to learn that he's a player they needn't have any concerns about making the transition to Premier League football.

Why Natan would be leaving a 'massive club' in Real Betis

MOT Leeds News has covered reports suggesting Betis may need to sell Natan this summer due to having too many non-EU players registered in their team.

That could open the door up for Leeds to swoop in, as Farke continues to build his Whites defence of the future.

However, speaking with Spanish football correspondent Ruairidh Barlow, who has been featured on the likes of CNN, the BBC and Sky Sports, he's exclusively told MOT Leeds News why a move from Betis to Leeds wouldn't actually be an obvious step up for the defender.

"It's no slight against Leeds United, but I'd say it's definitely a sideways step rather than a step up," the former Football Espana editor said.

"Real Betis are by membership the fourth biggest team in Spain, and generally fill their 60,000-seater stadium for every home game.

"Betis have also been in Europe for the last five years straight, made a European final, won a Copa del Rey and next season will be in the Champions League.

"Traditionally, they might not be among the most successful teams in Spain, but they've always been a massive club, and under Manuel Pellegrini have been enjoying some of the corresponding success."

So, the Brazilian may not be totally convinced on a move to Elland Road judging from this testimony.

But, if he does sign for Leeds this summer, what qualities would he bring to LS11, and would he likely become a star player in Farke's side?

Why Natan wouldn't come with 'many surprises' at Leeds

Some players are flashy and love taking risks with the ball at their feet in the pursuit of something special, whilst others are more low-key.

The same principle can be applied to fans too, as what one supporter likes from their team's centre-backs will drive another crazy.

In many ways then, what Barlow has to say about Natan would suggest he wouldn't have Leeds fans tearing their hair out in frustration, but nor would he particularly get them off their seats with excitement either.

"In my view, the general opinion is that Natan is a good, solid defender without being a great one," Barlow continued to tell us.

"He probably won't shift the needle for most teams, but he is capable of providing strong performances and he is not someone you worry about, even when coming up against a Barcelona or a Real Madrid.

"With the physical attributes he has, his aerial ability, he was always part of Pellegrini's best defence, and his absences were felt at Betis over the last couple of seasons whenever he wasn't around.

"When you refer to Natan as solid, it's not just his defending. He stands at 6'2" (188cm), and has the muscle and ballast to go with it. There's no danger he'll struggle with the physical side of the Premier League.

"He's quick enough, without standing out, and in general, I'd say he's a reassuringly straightforward central defender. On the one hand, he's no wizard on the ball, but he understands that and doesn't overcomplicate things in that regard.

"Natan reads the game well, generally times his challenges and likes a battle with a centre-forward. At the same time, he's not unbeatable, and he can be outfoxed, particularly by more mobile forwards.

"On the whole, he's not a defender that will give you too many surprises - something you generally consider a virtue at centre-back."

Overall then, Natan may not be the signing that shatters the glass ceiling of Leeds' centre-back play in the Premier League moving forward, but Whites fans could absolutely expect him to raise the floor in this department.