No formal bid has been made and the report stops short of describing advanced negotiations. What has emerged, however, is that Brighton's scouting network — which has an established focus on young talent in South America — has a specific internal advocate pushing for Cruz to be monitored closely ahead of the summer window. A Dutch club is also said to be watching the situation.
Cruz is 20 years old, born in São Paulo, and has been part of the Athletico setup since joining their youth ranks aged 12. He made his first-team debut in May 2024 and signed his first professional contract in late 2022, with that deal running until February 2028. He captained Athletico's squad in the Paranaense state championship this season, an unusual responsibility for a player his age, and contributed two goals and two assists in the opening five fixtures of the campaign.
The midfielder's profile is one that travels well. He operates primarily as a central midfielder but can function deeper or higher up the pitch, with the ability to progress play, switch the ball quickly and find vertical passes through lines. He is also regarded as dangerous from distance and takes on set-piece responsibility including free-kicks and corners.
Athletico were relegated from the Brazilian top flight in 2024 before winning promotion back at the end of 2025. That context — a technically gifted young player at a club rebuilding in the second division — is precisely the type of situation Brighton's recruitment model has historically exploited to maximum effect.
Whether a formal approach materialises this summer will depend on how the club's internal conversations develop and whether Athletico entertain offers for a player they regard as central to their rebuild. The expectation in Brazil is that approaches will arrive during this window and the club will at least consider them.