Crystal Palace are keeping a close eye on Damian Bobadilla after his efforts at the World Cup with Paraguay.
RTI Esporte believe the Eagles are interested in the South American after he played a key role in Paraguay reaching the last 16 of the World Cup, knocking Germany out in the Round of 32 before a narrow 1-0 loss to France.
Many Crystal Palace fans presumably won’t know much about Bobadilla considering he was a relative unknown before the World Cup, so let’s take a closer look at the Paraguay international.
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Meet Damian Bobadilla, a cheaper alternative to Shea Charles
Crystal Palace are keen to sign a new central midfielder despite tying Daichi Kamada down for another 12 months.
There is interest in Southampton No.24 Shea Charles – but considering the Saints want £30m to sell the Northern Ireland international, Bobadilla represents a cheaper option.
The Paraguayan plays his football for Sao Paulo in Brazil, who he joined in a €3m (£2.6m) move from Cerro Porteno in December 2023.
Bobadilla has amassed 115 appearances for the Brazilian giants in total, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists – a respectable return for a defensive midfielder.
RTI Esporte believe Sao Paulo want €20m (£17m) to sell the man born in Asuncion, which makes him considerably cheaper than the aforementioned Charles.
The apparent priority for Crystal Palace in midfield – based on the timing of the link – is another man who made his name in Brazilian football with Flamengo, Joao Gomes.
BBC Sport claim the Eagles held talks with the Brazil international as early as April – although Wolves are holding out for a fee of £39m.
At this point in the summer, it seems as if Bobadilla represents the cheap option for Crystal Palace, if deals for Gomes or Charles cannot be agreed with Wolves and Southampton respectively.
RTI Esporte add that Eintracht Frankfurt and Zenit Saint Petersburg are also interested in signing the Sao Paulo No.16 this summer, so Crystal Palace have competition to be wary of.
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- Full name: Damian Josue Bobadilla Benitez
- Age: 25
- Date of birth: 11 July 2001
- Height: 1.80m (5ft 11in)
- Nationality: Paraguayan
- Place of birth: Asuncion
- Club: Sao Paulo
- Position: Central midfielder
