Crystal Palace have stepped up their scouting activity in Brazil ahead of January, with representatives watching Cruzeiro’s derby against Atlético-MG on October 29.
However, they have not yet submitted a formal offer, although Nottingham Forest came close earlier this year. Forest prepared a £11.2 million bid in June, but the transfer never materialised. Since then, Cruzeiro have strengthened their negotiating position considerably, following the goalkeeper’s breakthrough performances, a senior Brazil call-up under Carlo Ancelotti and a contract extension until 2031.
Palace already have several established options between the posts. Dean Henderson remains their first choice, with his contract running until June 2028 and reported wages of around £100,000 a week. Walter Benítez arrived on a free transfer last summer to provide experienced cover, while Remi Matthews completes their existing goalkeeper group.
Henderson has continued to shoulder considerable responsibility behind a struggling defence. His six-save performance against Tottenham, despite Palace’s 2-0 defeat, offered another example of the demands placed on the England international.
The Eagles sit 18th after nine league matches, collecting seven points from two wins, one draw and six defeats, with a minus-12 goal difference. Pierre Sage, appointed in June, has nevertheless guided the club into the EFL Cup quarter-finals following a 1-0 victory at Fulham, alongside mixed results in the Europa League league phase.
The player attracting this attention is 21-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper Otávio. Sport Witness reported the developments, citing Brazilian outlets Globo Esporte and Itatiaia. Palace have tracked him for considerably longer than their recent scouting trip suggests, with head of scouting Alessandro Brito having attempted to sign him several times during his previous spell at Botafogo.
Otávio has made 20 appearances in the 2026 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and recorded three clean sheets across six Copa Libertadores matches. His athleticism, commanding aerial presence and quick reflexes have established him as a promising young shot-stopper. He offers technical ability too, completing 70 per cent of his passes in high-pressure continental matches.
Cruzeiro now want at least £17.3 million before entering negotiations, Globo Esporte reports, while other Brazilian outlets place their valuation closer to £21.6 million. Forest’s previous proposal would fall considerably short. Otávio also delivered against Atlético-MG on October 29, keeping a clean sheet with two saves in a derby watched by Palace scouts.
Why would Crystal Palace spend £20m on another goalkeeper?
Brito’s determination to look for Otávio proves Palace’s longer-term planning rather than an immediate need to replace Henderson. Benítez provides dependable cover, but the club must eventually consider who succeeds their established first choice.
Otávio could spend his initial months competing for cup appearances before taking on greater responsibility, giving Sage time to integrate him into a system that encourages building from the back. Palace would also prevent Tottenham or another Premier League rival from securing a goalkeeper Brito has chased for years.
Spending between £17 million and £22 million would represent a substantial investment, yet acquiring a Brazil international before his valuation rises further could prove worthwhile. If Henderson eventually leaves for a significant fee, Palace would already have his successor at Selhurst Park. Now, we have to wait and see what finally happens in this saga.
