AliousWolves Move Closer to Landing £17m Brighton Defender Igor Julio – Crystal Palace and Euro Giants Circling as Seagulls Brace for Key Exit
Wolverhampton Wanderers are in active pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Igor Julio, having formally lodged an enquiry for the Brazilian defender as they look to reinforce their back line ahead of the new season.
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira is keen to secure a commanding left-footed defender to solidify his preferred back-three system. Last term, a shortage of reliable options forced Pereira to play Matt Doherty out of position. Despite having defenders like Nasser Djiga and Santiago Bueno available, Pereira frequently relied on Doherty’s experience to maintain defensive stability. The arrival of a more natural and proven player like Igor could finally provide the tactical balance the manager craves.
According to Diario Vasco, Wolves have already contacted Brighton to explore the conditions of a potential deal. While they’ve taken the first step, they’re far from alone in the chase. Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Leeds United are showing strong interest, while Real Madrid and Real Sociedad are also monitoring the situation.
Why Wolves Could Have the Edge
Wolves’ chances may be boosted by Igor’s desire to leave Brighton this summer. Injuries and limited opportunities have restricted his Premier League minutes to just over 2,500 since arriving from Fiorentina in 2023. Despite flashes of form, he’s remained behind Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Adam Webster in the defensive hierarchy.
Brighton paid around £17 million for Igor under former boss Roberto De Zerbi, and though the club is unlikely to accept a loss, they may consider offers in that region. At 27, Igor remains in his prime and still holds value in the market, especially with two years remaining on his contract plus a club option for a third.
A Perfect Fit at Molineux
Igor’s profile fits the Wolves system well. As a physical and technically adept left-footed centre-back, he would bring composure and strength to the back line. His ability to carry the ball forward and pick out progressive passes makes him a strong candidate to challenge Toti Gomes, who, despite improvement under Pereira, has had inconsistency issues in the past.
With over 100 appearances for Fiorentina and prior stints in Austria and Italy, Igor brings considerable top-flight experience. His leadership, aerial presence, and European pedigree could be pivotal in helping Wolves push for a stronger finish in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Verdict:
Wolves are taking meaningful steps to land a player who could immediately upgrade their defence. While Brighton are set to lose a talented asset, and Crystal Palace are lurking, the groundwork laid by Wolves may prove decisive in securing Igor’s signature.
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