Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen snap up Barcelona starlet

The Italian, who recently played a key role for the Azzurri in their victorious U17 European Championships campaign, had been with Barcelona since the summer of 2021.

This, after having come through the ranks at hometown club AC Milan's youth academy and then that of Espanyol's before enrolling at La Masia.

Rumors suggested Natali was heading to Germany to further his development with the newly crowned Bundesliga champions and this has now been confirmed.

Natali primarily plays as a central defender; however, he can also play as a pivot if needed.

"Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Italian central defender Andrea Natali. The 16-year-old youth international is moving from FC Barcelonaâ™s U18s, where he signed a contract valid until June 30, 2027," read a statement on Bayer's official website.

Bayer sports director Simon Rolfes told the club's website: "Andrea Natali was a very interesting and highly sought-after player this summer as Italian U17 European champion. We are therefore very happy that he chose Bayer 04.

âœIn the long term, he has all the conditions to become an important factor for the Werkself of the future.â

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