Leverkusen sign Italian U17 Euros winner from FC Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the signing of 16-year-old Italian centre-back Andrea Natali.

Natali, who won the U17 European Championship with Italy earlier this year, joins the German champions from FC Barcelona.

He has put pen to paper on a contract with Leverkusen until 2027.

"Andrea Natali was a very interesting and sought-after player this summer as an Italian U17 European Champion. We are therefore delighted that he has decided to join Bayer 04," said Leverkusen managing director for sport Simon Rolfes.

“In the long term, he has all the prerequisites to become a key factor for our Werkself in the future.”