Bayer Leverkusen prospect Andrea Natali has completed a permanent transfer to AZ Alkmaar, the clubs announced on Friday. The 18-year-old centre-half joins the Dutch Eredivisie side after a successful loan spell last season, signing a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2031.
The total transfer fee is reported to be between €2 and 3 million. Natali arrived at Leverkusen as a youth player but never made a senior appearance for the Bundesliga outfit, instead featuring prominently for their Under-17 and Under-19 teams, making a combined 29 appearances. The move to Alkmaar offers the young Italian a clear pathway to regular first-team football.
AZ Alkmaar will be hoping Natali can continue his development in the Netherlands after a positive loan period. Last season, he integrated well with the squad and coaching staff, as he stated upon confirming his permanent move: “I am incredibly happy to be back here and to finally play for AZ Alkmaar. Last year I received a very warm welcome from the team, so too, the entire coaching staff and all employees, so it’s great to be able to work with everyone again.”
Leverkusen have been actively reshaping their squad this summer, and allowing Natali to depart permanently frees up space within their youth system and generates a modest transfer fee. For AZ Alkmaar, the signing represents a long-term investment in a promising young defender, bolstering their options at the back as they look to challenge in the Eredivisie and potentially compete in European competitions. This move provides Natali with the platform to continue his progression and establish himself as a key player in Dutch football.
