---
title: "Crystal Palace Track €20m Brazil Star Otávio as Scouting Chief Reignites Pursuit"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/11/03/crystal-palace-scout-otavio-cruzeiro-transfer-brito/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Naz Yusuf"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2026-11-03T16:49:00Z"
modified: "2026-11-03T16:49:00Z"
---

# Crystal Palace Track €20m Brazil Star Otávio as Scouting Chief Reignites Pursuit

When results on the pitch take a sharp downward turn, the chatter around a football club naturally shifts toward the transfer market.

With Pierre Sage under mounting scrutiny following three consecutive Premier League defeats and the Eagles sitting in 18th place the need for long-term squad planning and elite recruitment has rarely felt more pressing at L25.

While the immediate focus remains on turning performances around on the grass, work behind the scenes never stops.

Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have emerged as the latest Premier League clubs to take a serious interest in Cruzeiro’s rising star goalkeeper Otávio, with both London sides dispatching representatives to South America to watch the 21-year-old live in action [according to reports.](https://sportwitness.co.uk/otavio-tottenham-and-crystal-palace-in-mix-for-e20m-arrival-officials-working-on-it/)

Representatives from both clubs attended Cruzeiro’s fierce derby against Atlético-MG on Thursday, October 29 at Arena MRV, with the highly-rated shot-stopper serving as the primary reason for their trip across the Atlantic.

While neither club has submitted a formal bid just yet, there is a fascinating backstory behind Palace’s presence in Brazil.

As it turns out, one of the leading figures in the club’s scouting department has been trying to land Otávio’s signature for quite some time.

According to a report from Brazilian outlet [*Globo Esporte*,](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/cruzeiro/noticia/2026/10/30/otavio-do-cruzeiro-e-observado-por-dois-clubes-ingleses-em-classico-entenda-cenario.ghtml) both Tottenham and Palace had personnel in the stands for the derby. Local outlet *Itatiaia* subsequently confirmed the scouting mission, identifying Palace’s representative as Alessandro Brito who now heads up the scouting department at Selhurst Park.

Brito knows Otávio intimately well. During his previous stint working at Botafogo, Brito recommended signing the goalkeeper on multiple occasions. His most recent attempt came earlier this year when Otávio was still waiting for his big senior breakthrough. However, Cruzeiro refused to entertain the idea of selling their prized asset, even back then.

Fast forward to today, and Brito is watching him once again only this time, he is doing so backed by Premier League resources. Clearly, his admiration for the young Brazilian has not wanes.

## The Valuation Soars

Palace and Spurs are far from the first English sides to take notice. Nottingham Forest actually got there long before either London club. Back in June, reports from Brazil indicated that Forest were preparing a €13m (£11.2m) offer for Otávio.Initial contact was made, but a deal failed to materialize.

A lot has changed in the months since. Otávio has established himself as one of Cruzeiro’s most vital performers, earned his first senior Brazil national team call-up under Carlo Ancelotti, and signed a brand-new contract tying him to the club until 2031. He has also been named on Brazil’s preliminary squad list for November’s international friendlies.

Cruzeiro and the player’s representatives are fully aware that official proposals could land before the January window opens. While no formal talks over a destination have begun, Otávio remains focused on securing direct qualification for the 2027 Copa Libertadores.

## What This Means for Palace and Pierre Sage

For those watching events unfold at Selhurst Park this autumn, seeing the club actively track elite young talent in South America is an encouraging sign that long-term vision hasn’t been completely abandoned amidst short-term turbulence.

With Pierre Sage fighting to stabilise results following the 5-0 derby defeat to Brighton and subsequent 2-0 losses against Newcastle and Spurs, every structural decision matters.

While a £17m+ move for a 21-year-old goalkeeper might not solve Palace’s immediate goal-scoring drought or midfield balance overnight, it highlights an important reality While a £17m+ move for a 21-year-old goalkeeper might not solve Palace’s immediate goal-scoring drought or midfield balance overnight, it highlights an important reality they are still planning with the Frenchman still in the dugout.