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Brighton scouts go to Brazil for one defender – Another catches their eye as target gets sent off

Brighton sent scouts to Brazil over the weekend to watch Atlético Mineiro youngster Vitão. By the end of the night, however, another defender had caught their attention, while their original target had been sent off. Not quite how the scouting…

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 8:56 AM
Brighton scouts go to Brazil for one defender – Another catches their eye as target gets sent off
Key Things to Know
  • Brighton scouts attended Atlético Mineiro's match to watch Vitão, but Grêmio defender Wallace caught their attention instead.
  • Targeted 18-year-old centre-back Vitão was sent off late in the game following a VAR review.
  • Grêmio drew 1-1 with Atlético Mineiro, progressing 3-1 on aggregate to the Copa do Brasil final.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Brighton & Hove Albion scouts attended the Copa do Brasil semi-final between Atlético Mineiro and Grêmio to monitor 18-year-old defender Vitão. However, the original target was sent off late in the second half for a high boot on Martin Braithwaite. Meanwhile, Grêmio's 21-year-old centre-back Wallace reportedly caught the scouts' attention during the match, which finished in a 1-1 draw and saw Grêmio advance 3-1 on aggregate.

While Wallace was discussed among the club's representatives, there has been no formal approach made for the Grêmio defender. Brighton have frequently targeted South American talent directly over the past decade, and the performances of both young defenders have provided new options for the Premier League club to monitor ahead of the January transfer window.

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