SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 29: Du Queiroz of Corinthians competes for the ball with Natan of Red Bull Bragantino during the match between Corinthians and Bragantino as part of Brasileirao Series A 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena on August 29, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

Natan to Napoli Arrives as a Surprise Transfer to Replace Kim

Following the tracking of two Brazilian defenders in Corinthians’ Murillo and Zenit St. Petersburg’s Wendel, a third previously-unknown target has emerged for the Partenopei. Red Bull Bragantino center-back Natan Bernardo de Souza has reportedly sealed a move to Napoli, who have long been seeking a replacement for Kim Min-jae.

As per Sky Italia (via Tuttomercatoweb), advanced negotiations are taking place currently to onboard 22-year-old Natan, worth circa €10M, from Sao Paulo. The ex-Roma target is expected to fly in to Italy over the weekend to complete his medicals and sign the long-term contract.

A substantial resale of Natan’s transfer price will go Flamengo’s way, as his boyhood club possess 12% of the player’s rights. He was sold to Bragantino in January 2022 for €3.5M.

Stuttgart’s Konstatninos Mavropanos was also high on their wishlist, and it remains to be seen if the Partenopei continue to track the Greek. Meanwhile, Kevin Danso’s trail went cold following his contract renewal at Lens.

Our Take on Natan to Napoli

Napoli finally seem to have made headway in their search for Kim’s successor. While Natan is a shot in the dark, just as his predecessor was when he arrived from Fenerbahce last year, he could very well live upto expectations and fill in the vacant role at the back with conviction. However, he will have to maneuver through a demanding season as part of the backline, as Napoli seek to defend their Scudetto crown.

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