Crystal Palace seriously considered Filipe Luís during their internal discussions over a possible managerial change. However, the Brazilian’s lack of a UEFA Pro Licence has significantly weakened his chances of landing the job.
The former Flamengo manager has become one of the most talked-about young coaches linked with English football in recent months.
Sport Witness previously revealed concrete contact from Championship sides QPR, Watford and Middlesbrough.
At the same time, European and Brazilian reports increasingly placed him in the conversation around Chelsea following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal.
Filipe Luís had already held talks with Chelsea before Rosenior’s appointment in December. However, licensing complications are understood to have played a role in preventing that move from progressing. And that seems to be the case with Palace as well.
Earlier this week, uncertainty around Marco Silva’s future also made room for links with Fulham. And now Crystal Palace can be added to the picture.
Filipe Luís evaluated by Palace
According to information from ESPN Brazil, Palace included Filipe Luís among the names assessed during internal conversations over a possible coaching change.
His profile was analysed seriously. However, the same obstacle quickly emerged again – the UEFA Pro Licence issue.
That situation is understood to be far more restrictive in England than in several other European markets.
While some countries can offer temporary solutions or workaround structures, Premier League regulations make the process considerably more complicated for coaches without the required qualification.
As a result, Filipe Luís’ chances of taking the Palace role lost momentum despite genuine appreciation for his work.
ESPN then confirmed Palace’s attention has since shifted more strongly towards Andoni Iraola. The Bournemouth manager is increasingly viewed as the leading candidate if the club changes direction, especially after missing out on the Chelsea job to Xabi Alonso.
Iraola is keen to remain in the Premier League and had initially hoped for a return to Athletic Club, but that possibility is understood to have closed, which has strengthened Crystal Palace’s position in the race.
England continues to monitor him
Even with those complications, the level of interest around Filipe Luís remains notable.
The Brazilian has rapidly built a reputation in coaching circles after his spell at Flamengo, where he won five major trophies in under two years.
Across 101 matches, he maintained a win percentage close to 70%. In addition, his side scored more than 180 goals. Those numbers helped establish him as one of the most highly rated young coaches outside Europe.
Combined with his history as a player at Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, that success has made him an attractive profile. He now appeals to clubs looking for younger managers with a clear football identity.
Licence becoming decisive factor
Filipe Luís is currently trying to accelerate the process of obtaining his UEFA Pro Licence, with reports in Brazil indicating that his staff have contacted the the Brazilian FA to help validate previous experience and speed up approval.
That process may now become decisive for his immediate future.
Crystal Palace’s interest reinforces the idea that Premier League clubs are genuinely evaluating him. However, it also underlines the reality that admiration alone may not be enough until the licensing situation is resolved.
