Brighton and Chelsea have added Vélez Sarsfield youngster Simón Escobar to their watchlist.
The left-back has only just turned 17, yet he is already putting together an important run in Vélez’s first team.
Escobar earned his third consecutive start against Boca Juniors at the weekend and was one of his side’s standout performers.
That early progress has caught attention in England. Now Sport Witness have learned Brighton and Chelsea are among the clubs following the youngster.
Simón Escobar fits the future
Simón Escobar has made his mark at youth international level with Argentina. He impressed at the U17 World Cup and has since caught the eye at the U17 CONMEBOL tournament.
The teenager meets all requirements of a modern attacking full-back. He’s tall and strong, while also being comfortable carrying the ball at speed.
Escobar likes to get forward and support attacks. His passing range and crossing are also considered among his strengths.
His physical build helps at the other end of the pitch. He’s comfortable engaging opponents early and using his frame in defensive duels.
There’s obviously still plenty of development ahead. What makes his progress particularly interesting is his age.
Escobar only recently celebrated his 17th birthday in July and is already getting meaningful first-team minutes at one of Argentina’s biggest clubs. That helps explain why teams in England are paying attention this early.
Contract situation adds another angle
Simón Escobar is under contract with Vélez until December 2027. That gives the Argentine club some protection, although it isn’t an especially long deal for a teenager now breaking into their senior side.
Should Escobar continue getting minutes and developing at his current rate, his contract situation could become something for Vélez to address.
There’s also a small detail which makes Brighton’s interest worth keeping an eye on.
Escobar is represented by Hernán Berman, the same agent who works with River Plate young midfielder Juan Cruz Meza. The latter was linked with Brighton last year.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the two situations are connected. It does mean the Seagulls have already been mentioned around another young Argentine represented by Berman.
For now, this is at the interest stage. There is no suggestion yet of an offer or advanced talks. At just 17, Escobar is already doing the most useful thing possible to strengthen his case – getting senior minutes and performing well when given them.
Shoulda European club since Escobar, then he won’t be able to move to the continent until he turns 18.
Sportwitness
Football transfer news from the across the world.