Crystal Palace have emerged as the latest Premier League club to keep tabs on São Paulo midfielder Damián Bobadilla. The Paraguayan’s impressive rise is now attracting interest from across Europe, with Celtic having been linked for weeks.
The 24-year-old has developed into one of São Paulo’s key players over the past 18 months. And he has taken another step forward in 2026, that saw Celtic and others take notice.
He has registered three goals and five assists in 28 appearances this season. Almost all of these appearances were as a starter. Consequently, he has established himself as one of the team’s pillars.
That form has carried over to the international stage. Bobadilla enhanced his reputation with Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup. And his performances have only strengthened the feeling that a move to Europe is becoming increasingly likely.
Brighton, Brentford and Celtic have all been linked with the midfielder in recent weeks. In addition, Crystal Palace have now joined that list.
Palace join growing list of admirers
According to RTI Esporte in Brazil, Crystal Palace have been monitoring Bobadilla since his World Cup displays. They have joined a queue of clubs that already stretches across England and mainland Europe.
Celtic, Brighton and Brentford are still in the mix.
The Eagles are not believed to have made a formal move, but the growing number of clubs watching the midfielder suggests competition could quickly develop if São Paulo open the door to negotiations.
While Palace continue to assess the situation, another club are reportedly ready to test São Paulo’s resolve.
Zenit preparing first move
Russian side Zenit are said to be preparing an opening offer worth €10m (£8.7m). They have monitored Bobadilla since 2025. But that proposal is unlikely to be enough.
The report states São Paulo already have a clear valuation in mind. This follows the midfielder’s World Cup campaign. They would only consider negotiations at figures closer to €20m (£17.4m).
The Brazilian club believe Bobadilla’s performances for Paraguay have significantly increased both his profile and his market value. In addition, interest from clubs in Europe’s top leagues could push the price even higher.
The midfielder featured in three World Cup matches for Paraguay, starting two of them. He emerged with his reputation enhanced after standout performances against Germany and Turkey.
Contract situation explained
Bobadilla joined São Paulo from Cerro Porteño in 2024 for around €1.8m (£1.5m), but the Brazilian side own only 60% of his economic rights.
That means they would not receive the full value of any future transfer. Therefore, this gives them another reason to hold out for a substantial fee.
His contract now runs until December 2028 and includes a €60m (£52.2m) release clause, leaving São Paulo under little pressure to negotiate unless their valuation is met.
But his agent Diego Serrati looks determined to see a move becoming concrete. “We’re looking at options in Europe for Damián Bobadilla; hopefully, that will work out,” he revealed to a Paraguayan radio show, leaving open the possibility that the midfielder could make the move to Europe during this transfer window.