Crystal Palace chief open to exit just months after arrival – Talks already held with interested club

Crystal Palace's South American recruitment chief Alessandro Brito is being targeted by Flamengo, with initial talks already held about potentially replacing sporting director José Boto.

Crystal Palace could lose Alessandro Brito, their head of South American recruitment, just months after his arrival at Selhurst Park. The 42-year-old, who joined Palace earlier this year, has attracted interest from Flamengo as the Rio de Janeiro club considers replacing sporting director José Boto.

Brazilian journalist Raisa Simplicio first reported Brito as among Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista's preferred candidates, with ESPN Brazil confirming that initial conversations between the club and Brito have already taken place. Those discussions focused on understanding his plans, ideas and working methods.

Brito has not closed the door on a return to Brazilian football, though no final decision has been made by Flamengo, with further discussions expected after the Brazilian league season concludes.

Brito's reputation in Brazil stems from four years at Botafogo, where he helped build the squad that won the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores in 2024 before leaving in May 2026. At Palace, he has already been active in recruitment, monitoring players including Botafogo's Danilo, Corinthians' André and Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otávio.

Crystal Palace value him highly and would feel his loss, particularly with the January transfer window approaching.