Exclusive: Leader named in Brighton & Celtic race to sign 24-yr-old
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(Credit: Imago) Mon 23 March 2026 6:30, UK Brighton are leading Celtic and other Premier League rivals in the race to sign Sao Paulo star Damian Bobadilla, sources have told Football Insider.The financial capabilities of Premier League sides means they are prepared to blow Celtic out of the water to agree a deal, while the Seagulls have a good record in the transfer market.Their recruitment from South America has previously seen them land bargain deals for the likes of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, and they aim to land another now.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, 24-year-old Bobadilla is the latest midfielder on their list of targets.Celtic and Brentford are also among the clubs keeping tabs on his progress at Sao Paolo, but they could miss out ahead of what will be a big window for the Glasgow outfit. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Brighton race Celtic and Brentford to sign Damian BobadillaFootball Insider revealed on 20 March that Celtic are interested in signing Bobadilla and have been impressed by his performances for Sao Paolo.Alongside their Premier League rivals, the Hoops are set to keep tabs on his performances as he prepares to represent Paraguay at the World Cup this summer.Damian BobadillaSao Paulo Stats 2026Appearances17Starts14Minutes Played1201 Goals2Assists2Damian Bobadilla’s season stats for Sao Paulo.
(via Transfermarkt)As they step up plans to bolster their midfield this summer, the Paraguay star having an impressive tournament could tempt them to make a move.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, he’s a player who’s done really well in Brazil for Sao Paulo.“It’ll be a difficult deal for Celtic to do because of the rival interest that’s in Bobadilla. “As you said you’ve got the likes of Brighton, Brentford and Real Betis in La Liga all interested in him as well.
They’ll have the finances to outbid Celtic.“Brighton have a good record recruiting from South America which could play in their favour.“They would be able to offer better terms to Bobadilla as well, so it would be a real tough ask for Celtic to try and beat them in a race for him.“I just feel with the rival interest from Premier League clubs and elsewhere, it’ll be difficult for Celtic to do.”Celtic made midfield transfer plan after Bobadilla latestBobadilla is not the only midfielder on Celtic’s radar as they have identified the position as a key area for improvement under the imminent arrival of an new manager.Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Celtic want to sign a new midfielder in the summer amid interest in Kilmarnock star David Watson.Credit: ImagoOld Firm rivals Rangers have also expressed an interested in the 21-year-old’s availability, as he is coming to the end of his contract this summer.Sources have indicated that Watson would love the opportunity to play in the Champions League as part of his next move, and that could make the difference.The midfielder has recently confessed he is focused on performing for Kilmarnock this season and allowing his agent to sort out his long-term future.