Everton Eye £26m Real Betis Star Natan as Moyes Seeks Defensive Reinforcements
Could the Brazilian Be the Answer to Everton’s Backline Woes?
Everton are plotting a January swoop for Real Betis defender Natan, according to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes. With defensive injuries mounting and squad depth looking alarmingly thin, David Moyes appears ready to dip into the transfer market.
The situation at Goodison Park has become increasingly concerning. While the Toffees boast James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Jake O’Brien as centre-back options on paper, Branthwaite’s season-long injury has left a glaring hole in the squad.
Things aren’t much better at right-back either. Nathan Patterson’s persistent fitness issues and Seamus Coleman’s advancing years – the veteran simply can’t handle the Premier League’s relentless intensity week-in, week-out anymore – have forced Moyes into makeshift solutions. The sight of O’Brien being shoehorned into the full-back role tells you everything about Everton’s defensive crisis.
The Natan Factor
Enter Natan, the 24-year-old Brazilian who’s caught plenty of eyes during his spell in La Liga. After struggling for minutes at Napoli, he joined Real Betis initially on loan before making the switch permanent this summer. The move has clearly done wonders for his confidence.
Standing at 6ft 2in, the left-footed defender ticks several boxes. He’s quick, aerially dominant, composed on the ball, and crucially, built for the physical demands of English football. His £26m price tag feels reasonable in today’s inflated market, though Everton won’t have a clear run at him – several Premier League rivals are circling.
Time for Action
With just 11 points from nine matches and only one win in their last seven outings, Everton sit precariously close to the drop zone. Six points above the relegation places isn’t comfortable territory for a club of their stature.
Strengthening the defence isn’t just desirable – it’s essential if Moyes wants to steer clear of another relegation battle.