Brighton and Hove Albion’s interest in Álvaro Montoro is now running alongside a clear shift in Botafogo’s stance, with the Brazilian club actively planning a sale of the teenager after the World Cup.
The Premier League side have already been tracking the Argentine closely. As covered previously, Brighton scouts watched him live in Brazil, and his profile fits their recruitment model.
Montoro is a left-sided attacker who drifts centrally, combines well in tight spaces and contributes in build-up phases as much as in final actions.
Even at 19, his role at Botafogo has been significant. He has already taken on the No.10 shirt and featured regularly in senior football. He registered 3 assists in 11 league games this season and is one of Botafogo’s main creative outlets.
That early responsibility is part of what makes him appealing to clubs like Brighton.
Botafogo now planning Montoro sale
Álvaro Montoro is no longer considered untouchable.
According to Globo Esporte, Botafogo are now projecting a sale of the player after the World Cup. The club’s financial situation is described as difficult, and there is a growing acceptance internally that player sales will be necessary in the next transfer window.
The report states Botafogo have set an asking price between €25m and €30m (£21.5m – £25.8m) for Montoro. He is viewed as one of the main assets to be sold, alongside ex-Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo, as part of a strategy to generate significant revenue.
In fact, the expectation is that both players combined could bring in up to €70m (£60.2m), underlining how central Montoro is to those plans.
There has not yet been a formal offer. However, the report adds that the player’s representatives are already in contact with interested European clubs. Botafogo expect bids to arrive once the window opens on July 20.
What happens next
This development changes the landscape for Brighton. Previously, Botafogo had taken a firm stance against selling key players, with owner John Textor publicly rejecting the idea earlier this year.
Now, the situation looks more pragmatic, shaped by financial pressure and the need to balance the books.
That does not mean Montoro will come cheaply. The €25m – €30m (£21.5m – £25.8m) valuation places him firmly in the premium bracket for a teenager still developing. However, it also gives interested clubs clarity on what would be required.
A highly rated South American prospect, already playing senior football, and a selling club that may soon need to act. The next few weeks could be key.
