Brighton & Hove Albion have again been linked with a move to Sao Paulo midfielder Damian Bobadilla, with the Paraguayan's latest comments suggesting the Premier League club are actively monitoring the player.
Earlier reports in Brazil It was claimed that Sao Paulo had not received any approach or offer for the 24-year-old. Journalist George Nicola said that club officials insisted that there had been no contact with European teams.
However, the conversation has resurfaced after comments from a Paraguayan journalist Andres Rolon on Versus SportsWho mentioned Brighton's interest during discussions regarding the midfielder's future.
“It is true that Brighton are monitoring him as a potential signing for the next transfer window.”
Brighton plan for possible midfield exit
During the same conversation, the journalist suggested that the Paraguayan could form part of Brighton's future midfield plans.
According to discussions on the programme, Bobadilla has been mentioned as a possible replacement if Brighton lose midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Panel members speculated that Baleba could attract interest from Manchester United, which could force Brighton to look for a replacement in the next transfer window.
This context would help explain why the club is already following Bobadilla closely.
Interest across Europe
Rolon also made it clear that Brighton are not the only club keeping an eye on the Sao Paulo midfielder.
"There are also clubs from Italy and Spain following Damien Bobadilla," He said.
According to the journalist, the situation may escalate sooner than expected. "According to what I was told, the operation could be completed even before the World Cup."
He also suggested that Sao Paulo could benefit from waiting longer before considering a sale. "If I were Sao Paulo, I would wait until after the World Cup."
Contract status clarified
Bobadilla joins Sao Paulo from Cerro Porteño in 2024 for around €1.8m (£1.5m). The Brazilian club secured only 60% of its economic rights in that deal.
This detail could be crucial if European interest turns into a formal offer, as Sao Paulo will receive just over half of any transfer fee.
The midfielder's contract runs until December 2027, putting the Brazilian club under no immediate pressure to sell.
At the moment, Brighton has not entered active negotiations. Nevertheless, reports from Paraguay suggest that the Premier League side are already preparing for possible midfield changes in the future, and Bobadilla has apparently entered their radar.
