The Seagulls are understood to be preparing a formal offer for the 16-year-old Colombian whose performances at the Under-17 South American Championship last month established him as one of the continent's most exciting teenage prospects.
Escorcia was named the tournament's most valuable player after scoring four goals and contributing two assists across six matches for Colombia, including a goal and an assist in the final against Argentina as his country won the championship. He predominantly operates from the left wing but is capable of playing through the middle.
Colombian outlet Deportes RCN reports that both Brighton and Crystal Palace are preparing bids in the region of $3 million — approximately €2.5 million — for the player, though Brighton are considered the more advanced of the two clubs. Fabian Hürzeler's side have made sustained contact with Escorcia's camp over recent weeks and are pushing hard to secure a pre-agreement.
The deal carries inevitable structural complications. Escorcia turns 18 in July 2027, meaning that under post-Brexit regulations, any English club would be unable to register him in England before that date.
The current plan at Atlético Nacional is to give him first-team minutes during the second half of 2026 before allowing a move to Europe once he reaches the required age. Brighton have experience navigating this kind of timeline — their signings of Facundo Buonanotte and Yankuba Minteh followed similar structures.
Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, are also pushing to close the gap. The south London club have developed a strong scouting infrastructure in South America and see Escorcia as a profile worth investing in at an early stage.
Atlético Nacional have indicated they expect a fee above the preliminary figures being discussed, with the player's rising profile after the South American Championship giving them grounds to push for more.