News Focus
- Napoli want to sign Italian centre-back Andrea Natali from Bayer Leverkusen
- The defender is only 18 years old and is on loan at AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands
- He has played five times for Italy’s Under-20 national team
- His contract with the German club runs until June 2027
- He is the son of former professional footballer Cesare Natali
Serie A side Napoli are pushing hard to sign Italian defender Andrea Natali. Transfer journalist Alfredo Pedullà from Sportitalia says talks are already underway with both the player’s representatives and Bayer Leverkusen.
Natali turned 18 in January this year. Even at this young age, he is building a strong name in European football. He is the son of ex-professional Cesare Natali.
The centre-back began his career at AC Milan’s youth setup. He later moved through academies at Espanyol and Barcelona. He then joined Bayer Leverkusen. Right now, he is on loan in the Netherlands playing for AZ Alkmaar.
Natali plays regularly for Italy’s Under-20 side. He has five caps and one goal at that level. He is also in the Italy squad for the European Under-19 Championship finals.
Pedullà states that Napoli see Natali as a future star for their defence. However, the player’s deal with the German club ends in June 2027. This means Leverkusen will demand a high transfer fee for the young talent.