Eder Militao has been a big miss for Real Madrid when injured this season and that's a case to make regarding the Brazilian being the club's best defender. He has struggled with a muscle injury in recent months, appearing 16 times across competitions throughout the campaign.
While Militao will expect to continue as a starter when fit again he could be joined at the Estadio Bernabeu by a compatriot. It seems the club are keen to sign a defender with similar playing traits as the 28-year-old.
Dean Huijsen's slow start has been a concern while Raul Asencio has been playing through injury. There is a clear need for a new center-back this summer especially with Antonio Rudiger's contract expiring and no indication he's going to renew.
Real Madrid eyeing Brazilian defender
Real Betis' Natan has been added to Madrid's shortlist of potential defensive reinforcements amid an impressive season in La Liga. He has 27 times across competitions this season, helping his side keep nine clean sheets.
According to Ekrem Konur (via Defensa Central), Madrid are closely monitoring Natan, and his displays in the Spanish league haven't gone unnoticed by Los Blancos' scouts. There is a belief among the higher-ups that the 24-year-old is an ideal profile to help Alvaro Arbeloa's project move forward.
A fee of around €40–50 million is thought to be the asking price for the Brazilian who joined Betis from Napoli last summer. He's a six-foot-two inch aggressive center-back who is comfortable on the ball and this is a similar profile to that of Militao.
It's claimed that Madrid have been tracking Natan for quite some time and that they face competition from the Premier League for his signature. Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United have made inquiries about his availability in the current transfer window but were warned off.
Natan has right mentality for Madrid
Napoli swooped for Natan as a Kim Min-jae replacement in the summer of 2023 and he arrived at the Italian club from Red Bull Bragantino. While the Serie A giants were clearly impressed by his performances, he also showed he has a determined mindset.
His former Bragantino manager Pedro Caixinha waxed lyrical after his move to Naples was confirmed. He said (via Cult of Calcio):
“We have to thank him on behalf of all the staff, he gave us everything until the last day. Also on Sunday he would have liked to play, despite the fact that everything was already done with his new club. It’s not something for everyone, it’s love for his work and for the team. From the first to the last day, he was an example for everyone.”
This is the type of personality that Madrid need in the dressing room as they head into a new era with several long-serving players likely departing. There is a need for leaders or characters who put the team first before themselves.