In search of a piece for the defensive sector after Micael’s departure, the Palmeiras opened talks to try to sign defender Igor Julio27 years old, who belongs to Brighton and is on loan at West Ham, both in England. The information was initially released on the website ” Nosso Palestra “.
The Alviverde board has already contacted representatives of the defender to obtain details about a possible negotiation, considered strategic for the continuation of the 2026 season. Interest gained strength precisely after Micael’s loan to Inter Miami-USA, which reduced the options in the squad for the position.
Currently, Palmeiras has Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Bruno Fuchs and Benedetti for the sector, but none of them plays predominantly with the left leg, a characteristic seen as a priority by the technical committee.
Despite having only announced the signing of midfielder Marlon Freitas at the beginning of the year, the club remains active in the market in search of specific reinforcements, with a special focus on defense.
Igor Julio has a loan contract with West Ham until June 2026, but he has been little used and is looking for more minutes on the field. Given this scenario, Brighton, holder of its economic rights, indicated that it prefers a permanent transfer.
Brighton set an initial value of around 7 million euros (R$43.9 million) to release the player, who has a contract until June 2027.
Igor Julio: career, playing style and moves
Left-handed and 1.88m tall, Igor Julio was born in Bom Sucesso (MG) and started at the Atlético-MG academy, later going to Portuguesa Santista, Red Bull Brasil and RB Salzburg, from Austria, where he ended his initial training.
His start as a professional was with Red Bull Brasil, where he played just four games. Afterwards, he built practically his entire career in European football, with spells at RB Salzburg, Fiorentina-ITA, SPAL-ITA, as well as English clubs Brighton and West Ham. In the current season, he took to the field only five times and was unable to establish himself in the team led by Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
Igor Julio is recognized for his good ball release and likes to build with long balls.
In March 2025, after a rupture in the tendon of the posterior muscle of his left thigh, in January, he chose São Paulo to treat the injury and used the facilities at CT da Barra Funda. However, after recovering, he returned to Brighton.
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