Brighton have reportedly joined Napoli and Cagliari in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Andrea Natali.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the 18-year-old defender could leave Leverkusen this summer, with Brighton now among the clubs interested.
Natali is an Italy youth international and came through Barcelona’s academy before joining Leverkusen. Fussball Transfers also relays Romano’s report, naming Brighton, Napoli and Cagliari as the three clubs in the picture.
The link fits Brighton’s wider defensive work. Albion have already moved aggressively in that area after Jan Paul van Hecke’s exit, with ReadBrighton covering how Brighton agreed a £50m deal for Luka Vuskovic after Van Hecke’s Tottenham move.
Brighton Keep Targeting Defensive Upside
Natali would be a development signing rather than an instant answer for Fabian Hurzeler.
Brighton’s model has always leaned towards early talent, clear pathways and future value. Natali fits that profile as a teenage centre-back with international youth pedigree and experience in two major academy systems.
The competition is not light. Napoli can offer a route back to Italy at elite level, while Cagliari may present a more immediate Serie A pathway.
Brighton’s pitch would be different. Albion can point to regular development, Premier League exposure and a strong record of improving young players.
ReadBrighton has also looked at how Brighton’s Vuskovic deal shows the transfer trade-off behind their defensive rebuild. Natali would sit at the earlier end of that same plan.
For now, Brighton have entered the race rather than advanced towards a deal. The interest still tells its own story. Albion are not only replacing senior defenders; they are trying to build the next group before the market catches up.
