Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor Julio is reportedly on the verge of joining Crystal Palace in a season-long loan deal, with West Ham United losing the battle.
According to an update by Charlie Parker-Turner, Igor Julio has been the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a centre-back in the final hours of the summer transfer window. So, the 27-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion defender emerged as a target for the East London outfit.
However, West Ham will lose the battle for Igor’s signature, with Crystal Palace striking an agreement over a season-long loan deal. While the South American defender has yet to give the green light to the South London club, Charlie Parker-Turner has suggested that personal terms will not pose an issue for the Eagles.
Igor Julio and his time in the Premier League so far
Igor Julio has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Fiorentina in July 2023. A native of Bom Sucesso, the 27-year-old spent his formative years in Brazil and gradauted from the youth division at Red Bull Brasil. As for his spell with the Premier League club, the player has made 50 appearances while amassing over 3,500 minutes of game time.
Meanwhile, despite being in and out of the starting lineup at Brighton & Hove Albion, Igor’s stock in the market is high, and a move across the Premier League is on the cards. Crystal Palace and West Ham United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Igor Julio is understandable. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back in the final hours of the summer transfer window, as Marc Guehi is reportedly closing in on joining Liverpool. So, while Jaydee Canvot is closing in on joining Crystal Palace, the 2024/25 FA Cup winners need another centre-back.
As for West Ham United, Graham Potter wants more steel at the back to sustain the challenge of remaining in the Premier League and securing a mid-table finish. Recent reports have linked the East London club with Charlie Cresswell, and Igor has also emerged as a target. However, West Ham will likely lose the battle for his signature.
The update has revealed that Crystal Palace and Brighton have an agreement over a season-long loan deal, with personal terms “not expected to be an issue” for Igor. It will be interesting to see if the 27-year-old South American moves across the Premier League to join Crystal Palace in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
