AZ Alkmaar have permanently signed Andrea Natali from Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old central defender, who played for Alkmaar's reserve team on loan last season, has signed a contract until mid-2031. Natali said he is very happy to be back and to play for the club on a permanent basis. He added that he was welcomed very warmly last year by the team, coaching staff, and all employees, and that it is good to be able to work with everyone again.

Andrea Natali has left Bayer Leverkusen to make a permanent move to AZ Alkmaar. A report by Alfredo Pedullà, confirmed by 'kicker', stated that the 18-year-old central defender is returning to the Netherlands. The Italian talent was on loan at Alkmaar last season, where he only played for the reserve team. Bayer Leverkusen will receive a transfer fee of approximately two million euros, plus up to one million in bonuses. It is also reported that Leverkusen secured a high resale participation.

AZ is seeking to permanently sign eighteen-year-old Italian central defender Andrea Natali from Bayer Leverkusen. It is reported that the Dutch club is willing to pay between two and two and a half million euros for Natali. Last season, Natali was on loan at AZ and primarily played for Jong AZ and the U19s. Bayer Leverkusen wants to include a 25% sell-on clause in the deal for the player, whose contract in Germany is valid until the summer of 2027. Napoli and Cagliari had also been monitoring the defender, but their interest did not progress for unspecified reasons. This has left AZ in a leading position to complete the signing. Natali has 18 caps for the Italy U19 national team, and his current Transfermarkt market value is €400k.