Football Presse

Brighton and Bournemouth track Atlético Nacional defender Parra

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Brighton and Bournemouth track Atlético Nacional defender Parra

Bournemouth/X.com

Brighton and Bournemouth have sent scouts to watch Atlético Nacional defender Néider Parra as interest in the 21-year-old Colombian continues to grow.

The two clubs were represented at the Atanasio Girardot during Nacional’s 3-1 victory over Junior on 30 September, according to El Deportivo.

The visit followed an earlier report from Colombian journalist Julián Capera that Premier League and Serie A scouts were tracking the 21-year-old.

Parra gave the watching clubs plenty to assess during the match. He was involved in the move that led to Nacional’s opening goal and was credited with an assist, while also completing 93 per cent of his passes in his own half and winning his defensive duels.

Porto, Ajax and Palmeiras were also reported to have had scouts at the game, but there has been no indication of a formal offer or negotiation involving Nacional.

Parra’s rise has been rapid. Born in Puerto Girón, a rural area of Apartadó, he began his formal football development at 18 when he joined Medellín City.

Atlético Nacional noticed him during a match against Independiente Medellín in 2023 and subsequently brought him in for a trial. He later joined the club’s youth system before moving to Real Cundinamarca for professional experience.

After playing there in 2025, Parra returned to Medellín and made his Atlético Nacional debut against Deportes Tolima on 2 March 2026.

At 1.92 metres, the centre-back offers a strong aerial presence while also attracting attention for his ability to play out from the back and compete in duels.

Brighton’s interest fits a recruitment model built around identifying young players with room to develop and increase in value. The club signed Colombian teenager Matías Orozco from Deportivo Cali in August, although he was subsequently sent on loan to Castellón.

Bournemouth have also pursued young players as part of their recruitment strategy, making Parra an attractive profile for two clubs prepared to look beyond established European markets.

For now, the interest remains at scouting stage, with Parra’s performances continuing to determine whether the Premier League attention develops into a formal approach.