- Crystal Palace eyeing Jose Escorcia
- Brighton also interested in Colombian starlet
- Won’t be able to make the move until next year
Crystal Palace are reportedly battling it out with Brighton & Hove Albion to sign Atletico Nacional youngster Jose Escorcia. The Colombian U17 international’s impressive displays have landed him on the wishlists of both Premier League rivals.
Escorcia is predominantly a left winger but can also play as a centre-forward. He’s bagged four goals and two assists in six games for his nation’s youth team.
Palace continues to focus on signing youth talent that they can develop into top stars. They have reaped rewards with this strategy and clearly feel Escorcia has huge potential.
Crystal Palace Monitoring Escorcia
According to Bolavip (via Sport Witness), both Palace and Brighton are keen to sign Escorcia. There are thought to be other clubs in the mix to sign the Colombian, and Atletico Nacional might receive a “significant fee.”
Escorcia wouldn’t be able to move to England immediately, though, due to post-Brexit rules. He doesn’t turn 18 until July 2027, which would probably mean he continues at his current club.
Palace aren’t lacking options out wide amid Ismaila Sarr’s fine form and Yeremy Pino competing with Evann Guessand for a starting berth on the left. Brennan Johnson arrived for £30m in January but the former Tottenham Hotspur attacker has struggled thus far.
Another Youth Target
If the Eagles were to land Escorcia, he’d likely start up at the youth level, and he’d be a welcome addition to Javier Alonso’s squad. The U18’s won the Premier League Youth Cup last week, beating Manchester United on penalties.
The Colombian wonderkid isn’t the only youngster whom the South Londoners have eyed in recent months. They were interested in Scottish teenager Harris Afzal, but he opted to join EFL Championship outfit Southampton.
Hearts’ Alfie Osborne is of interest, and scouts have watched the Scottish centre-back in action. But they are joined in keeping tabs on the 17-year-old by Arsenal and Chelsea, so clearly he’s one to watch.
