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Brighton have started to be linked with 18-year-old centre-back Mauro Coronel more regularly in England over the past few weeks.

The Paraguayan defender is one of the latest South American youngsters to appear on their radar. There is some substance behind the claims, although perhaps not quite as much as some of the rumours suggest.

Reports in Paraguay over the past days give us a better idea of where things actually stand.

Brighton interest confirmed in Paraguay

The strongest confirmation comes directly from Club Nacional de Asunción president Enrique Sánchez – exactly the one who started all the gossip last week.

Speaking to Fútbol a lo Grande, Sánchez was specifically asked whether Brighton were following Coronel. “They are one of the interested clubs,” he replied.

Sánchez also explained that European sides have been making enquiries. Those contacts have extended beyond Nacional.

“I received calls from Europe, they called the coaches of the U20s and U17s. We’re talking. We’re waiting,” he said.

There is an important distinction, though. Sánchez made clear Nacional had received no formal offer with paperwork and signatures.

That fits with what we covered last week. There’s interest and groundwork going on, without anything suggesting Brighton have reached the bidding stage.

Claims of a move at the end of 2026

Another report went further earlier this month. Newspaper El Tiempo cited journalist Jorge Izquierdo when reporting Coronel could move to Europe at the end of this year.

The Premier League was presented as his likely destination, with Brighton among the main candidates.

But there’s another little Brighton connection here, too. Sport Witness has confirmed Coronel is represented by La Squadra Sports. The agency also represents Brighton midfielder Diego Gómez.

That doesn’t mean one transfer will lead to another, obviously. It does, however, mean Brighton already have a working connection with the people looking after Coronel’s career.

Coronel impressing with Paraguay

Brighton’s scouts also have something else to watch right now. Coronel is away with Paraguay’s U20 side at the South American Games in Santa Fe.

 named him among the team’s standout performers after the group stage. Paraguay beat Argentina and Venezuela before drawing with Uruguay to finish top of Group B. They’re now preparing for a semi-final against Chile.

So that’s roughly where the Brighton story stands. The interest itself has been confirmed in Paraguay, and there have been European enquiries around Coronel. There’s also a separate claim pointing towards a move at the end of 2026.

What there isn’t, at least publicly, is a formal Brighton offer or an agreement for the defender. Still, this looks like one to watch.

Coronel impressing with Paraguay

Brighton’s scouts also have something else to watch right now. Coronel is currently captaining Paraguay’s U20 side at the South American Games in Santa Fe.

Paraguayan newspaper La Nación named him among the team’s standout performers after the group stage. Paraguay beat Argentina and Venezuela before drawing with Uruguay to finish top of Group B.

They have since beaten Chile to reach the final, where they’ll face Argentina again. Coronel spoke after that semi-final victory and certainly sounded like a captain.

“It was a very difficult game. We know what Chile are like. We didn’t make ourselves small. Like I said last time, we’re a big country. People don’t talk about us that much, but we’re always prepared”, he said, as relayed by Versus.

“So I’m happy with my teammates, happy with the coach, with the confidence he gives me, and with everyone. Now it’s time to enjoy it.”

“Now we’ll enjoy it for a little while. Tomorrow we’ll start thinking about Argentina, and we promise everyone supporting us back home that we’re going to bring the trophy home.”

Judging by those words, Brighton appear to be looking at a very mature and interesting character as well as a promising defender. Now we’ll see whether their interest eventually turns into something more concrete.

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