Leeds have identified Pascal Struijk's successor in defence - it's time to pounce

Leeds United may have an opportunity to seal a move for Real Betis centre-back Natan in the upcoming transfer window.

The Brazilian defender has been one of the best players for Los Verdiblancos over the last two seasons and it isn't surprising to see the Whites reportedly keeping tabs on him.

Daniel Farke managed to secure Premier League safety at the West Yorkshire outfit in the 2025-26 campaign, and the German manager is now clearly looking to build on that success, but that will undoubtedly require significant investment in the squad.

Pascal Struijk's current contract at Elland Road expires in 2027 and if the Peacocks decide to cash in on him in the summer, Natan feels like the perfect replacement for him.

Farke will surely be looking for a left-footed defender to complement Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol if the Dutch defender were to leave, and the Betis star could be the right fit.

The 25-year-old has proven his qualities in LaLiga after an underwhelming spell with Napoli and the Whites wouldn't be taking a gamble by pouncing for his signature in the coming weeks.

Natan could be available amid Leeds United interest

Natan has a release clause of around £50million in his current Betis contract, which runs until 2030.

The Brazilian defender takes up one of the non-EU spots at Estadio Benito Villamarin and the LaLiga side have exhausted their quota of players registered who aren't Spanish.

According to ABC Sevilla on 10 June, the Whites are among the teams very attentive to the centre-back's situation, with West Ham United and Roma also linked.

Despite Betis' qualifying for the Champions League, it has been claimed that Natan is seen as an option to generate funds, as they expect to make a significant profit from his sale.

Elland Road hierarchy must change Pascal Struijk transfer stance

Sources told Football Insider in April that Leeds wanted to keep Struijk and would do everything in their power to keep him in the summer amid interest from several clubs.

The Whites may be making a mistake by hesitating to sell the 26-year-old defender, considering he could walk away for free in 2027 if he doesn't sign a new contract at Elland Road in the coming months.

Paraag Marathe may have no choice but to cash in on Struijk soon and they can surely use that money to sign Natan, who can be his successor in LS11.