Brighton & Hove Albion have again been linked with São Paulo midfielder Damián Bobadilla, with fresh comments from Paraguay suggesting the Premier League club are actively monitoring the player.
Earlier reports in Brazil claimed São Paulo had not received any approach or proposal for the 24-year-old. Journalist Jorge Nicola said club officials insisted there had been no contact from European teams.
However, the conversation has resurfaced following comments from Paraguayan journalist Andrés Rolón on Versus Sports, who mentioned Brighton’s interest during a discussion about the midfielder’s future.
“It’s true that Brighton are monitoring him as a potential signing for the next transfer window.”
Brighton planning for potential midfield exit
During the same conversation, the journalist suggested the Paraguayan could become part of Brighton’s future midfield planning.
According to the discussion on the programme, Bobadilla has been mentioned as a possible option if Brighton lose midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Panel members speculated that Baleba could attract interest from Manchester United, which might force Brighton to look for replacements in the next transfer window.
That context would help explain why the club is already following Bobadilla closely.
Interest across Europe
Rolón also made clear that Brighton are not the only club keeping an eye on the São Paulo midfielder.
“There are also clubs from Italy and Spain following Damián Bobadilla,” he said.
According to the journalist, the situation could even accelerate sooner than expected. “From what I was told, the operation could even be completed before the World Cup.”
He also suggested São Paulo might benefit from waiting longer before considering a sale. “If I were São Paulo, I would wait until after the World Cup.”
Contract situation explained
Bobadilla joined São Paulo in 2024 from Cerro Porteño for around €1.8m (£1.5m). The Brazilian club secured only 60% of his economic rights in that deal.
That detail could become important if European interest turns into a formal offer, since São Paulo would receive just over half of any transfer fee.
The midfielder’s contract runs until December 2027, leaving the Brazilian club under no immediate pressure to sell.
For now, Brighton haven’t entered active negotiations. Still, reports from Paraguay suggest the Premier League side are already preparing for possible midfield changes in the future, and Bobadilla has clearly entered their radar.
