Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth have sent scouts to Colombia to watch Atletico Nacional centre-back Neder Parra, according to Colombian outlet El Deportivo.
The 21-year-old was observed by representatives of both Premier League clubs during Atletico Nacional’s 3-1 victory over Junior FC at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium on 30 September, Sport Witness reported.
Interest in Parra is not limited to England, with Porto, Ajax and Palmeiras also monitoring the defender. However, no club has confirmed making a formal offer or opening transfer negotiations with Atletico Nacional.
Parra made a positive impression in the match against Junior FC. He was involved in the build-up to Atletico Nacional’s opening goal and, according to data cited by Sport Witness, recorded an assist. He also completed all of his tackles, produced a 93% passing accuracy in his own half and made six defensive actions.
The performance further raised Parra’s profile as he played against a strong opponent in front of scouts from several European clubs. Colombian journalist Julian Capera had previously reported that representatives from Premier League and Serie A clubs were assessing the player.
Parra’s full name is Neder Parra Moya. He was born on 30 April 2003 in Puerto Giraldo, a rural area of Apartado, Colombia.
Unlike many professional players, Parra did not begin structured football training in a club academy at a young age. He joined Club Ciudad de Medellin when he was 18.
Atletico Nacional scouts noticed him during a match against Independiente Medellin in 2023 and invited him to trial with the club. His physical condition and ability earned him a place in Atletico Nacional’s youth academy.
The club then sent him to Real Cundinamarca to gain senior experience. Parra played there in 2024 before returning to Medellin in 2025.
He made his Atletico Nacional first-team debut on 2 March this year against Deportes Tolima. The 1.92m defender is noted for his aerial strength, ability to pass out from defence and potential in physical duels and one-on-one situations.
As his first-team experience has increased, Parra has become more established at Atletico Nacional and attracted greater overseas interest during the second half of 2024.
The reported pursuit fits the recruitment policies of both Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth. Brighton have regularly targeted young players with development potential and future resale value. Chairman Tony Bloom said in 2024 that the club would look for suitable players in South America, Asia and Europe, taking into account their age, ability and transfer cost.
The club’s signing of Matias Orozco from Deportivo Cali in August this year was also described as part of that approach.
AFC Bournemouth likewise focus on recruiting and developing young players. Former manager Andoni Iraola said the club had signed players aged about 18 to 20 in recent years. The signing of 19-year-old Brazilian Rayan from Vasco da Gama is one example.
For now, Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth’s interest in Parra remains at the scouting stage, with no formal bid or negotiations confirmed.
