Brighton & Hove Albion are braced for a fresh Cruzeiro offer for Igor Julio after rejecting the Brazilian club’s opening approach.
TransferFeed reports, citing ge, that Cruzeiro remain interested in the defender and are preparing an improved proposal. The report says the next offer could move closer to Brighton’s €6m asking price.
ge reported last month that Cruzeiro had made a proposal below the €6m figure and were waiting for Brighton’s response. The latest update suggests the Brazilian club are ready to try again.
Igor has also attracted interest from Germany. FootballPlace reported that Schalke have been negotiating a loan deal without a purchase option, while Brighton want to retain control of his future.
Brighton Face Clear Defensive Decision
Igor joined Brighton from Fiorentina in 2023 and remains a useful left-footed centre-back option. But his route to regular minutes has narrowed as Albion continue to reshape the defence.
That leaves Fabian Hurzeler with a clear decision before pre-season gathers pace.
Brighton can keep Igor as part of the rotation before a European season. They can also cash in if Cruzeiro move close enough to the club’s valuation.
A permanent sale would simplify the defensive group. It would also give Igor a clearer role elsewhere.
The alternative is a loan, with Schalke’s reported interest offering another route. That would give Brighton the chance to protect his value, especially if they do not want to sell at the current price.
Read Brighton has already covered why a Schalke loan without a buy option would allow Albion to keep control. Cruzeiro’s renewed push now gives Brighton a different choice.
The first offer has already been rejected. The next bid should show whether this becomes a serious negotiation or another summer enquiry that fades before the price reaches Brighton’s level.
