Fresh reports from Spanish outlet Fichrio indicate that Everton have gone all out to strengthen their defence. They submitted a formal €25 million offer for Real Betis centre-back Natan. The Premier League side approached the Heliopolis-based club. They hoped to capitalise on the defender’s recent shaky performance.
Everton Fail with €25m Bid for Real Betis Defender Natan
This follows a heavy defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite the tempting financial package, Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo immediately dismissed the proposal. This move shows that the Spanish club have no intention of selling their defensive asset.
Betis view the Brazilian as a crucial part of Manuel Pellegrini’s long-term plans. This remains true even though he had a tough night against Real Madrid, where concentration lapses proved costly.
The report confirms that the English club knocked on their door with plenty of cash. They sought to add some muscle to their backline. However, the Real Betis hierarchy refuses to panic simply because of one poor result against the European giants.
Fajardo and Pellegrini still have total faith in Natan’s potential. They blame the defensive errors in Madrid on the whole team losing focus, rather than Natan not being good enough. Consequently, the La Liga outfit have chosen stability over a quick profit. They have effectively closed the door on Everton’s pursuit for now.
Analysis: Why Everton Pushed and Why Betis Held Firm?
David Moyes clearly sees the centre-back position as a spot that needs fixing right away. This need is urgent because no one knows for sure what will happen with Jarrad Branthwaite’s long-term future at Goodison Park. Everton likely see Natan as a great fit for the physical side of English football.
His aggression and aerial ability suit the way Moyes sets up his defence. It is a serious statement of intent from the Toffees to offer to offer €25 million for the 24-year-old. They likely saw a chance to grab him after the player struggled against Real Madrid’s pace. The Toffees essentially are trying to buy low on a player whose value has taken a temporary hit. They hoped Betis might take the money to fund other squad improvements.
From a Real Betis perspective, rejecting such a big fee is a big risk. However, it shows real backbone. Selling a starting defender in the middle of a season often messes up the whole squad. Furthermore, finding a good replacement for that price in January is famously hard.
Pellegrini knows that young defenders often have ups and downs. Judging Natan solely on a nightmare game against Vinícius Júnior would be shortsighted. By turning down the cash, Betis are betting on Natan’s recovery.
They believe he will find his form again and potentially cost even more in the future. For Everton, this rejection forces the recruitment team to look elsewhere. Betis clearly value keeping the team together over an immediate payday.
Nitish Bhan
Nitish is a football journalist with over 12 years of experience covering the Premier League and global football. He combines data-driven reporting with tactical analysis to deliver in-depth coverage for readers who want more than just match reports. A marketing graduate and lifelong football addict, Nitish has contributed to Sportskeeda,…