Football Presse

Crystal Palace and Brighton track Colombia Under-17 winger Escorcia

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion have both placed 16-year-old Atlético Nacional winger José Escorcia on their transfer radar, according to Colombian outlet Bolavip, with other unnamed clubs also understood to be considering approaches this week..

Escorcia made a strong impression at the Under-17 South American Championship, scoring four goals and contributing two assists across six matches.

His most significant contribution came in the final, where he scored and assisted in Colombia's 4-0 win over Argentina to help his country lift the title.

He has yet to make his senior debut for Atlético Nacional but has attracted attention from multiple clubs. Brighton's track record in the South American youth market has been well documented — Alexis Mac Allister and Moïses Caicedo both came through the Amex pipeline before their respective moves to Liverpool and Chelsea.

Vicente Pizarro at Rosario Central was the subject of a Brighton scouting report covered last week.

Crystal Palace's interest adds a competitive dimension. Oliver Glasner's side have increased their recruitment in South America in recent windows, and Escorcia's profile — a left-sided attacker with pace and an eye for goal — fits the type of player both clubs prioritise.

No formal bid has been made. Atlético Nacional are expected to command a significant fee if they decide to sell.