Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have successfully signed FC Barcelona’s young talent, Andrea Natali. The 16-year-old Italian defender, who primarily plays as a center-back, began his football journey with AC Milan’s youth team before joining Barcelona’s youth ranks on July 1, 2021.
Natali’s path to professional football also included a brief stint with Espanyol’s youth team. Despite his efforts, the highest level he reached at Barcelona was the under-18 team. Seeking greater opportunities, Natali has now completed a free transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Although the move is categorized as a free transfer, Bayer Leverkusen will pay Barcelona around €1 million in compensation. Natali has signed a contract that will keep him with the German club until June 30, 2027.
“Andrea Natali was a highly sought-after player this summer, especially after becoming an Italian U17 European Champion. We are thrilled he has chosen to join Bayer 04,” said Leverkusen’s managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes. “In the long term, he has all the qualities to become a key player for our team in the future.”
