---
title: "Cruzeiro Prepare Improved Offer For Brighton Defender Igor Julio"
canonical: "https://readbrighton.com/2026/07/07/cruzeiro-improved-igor-julio-bid-brighton-rejection/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Brighton Transfer News"
published: "2026-07-07T07:23:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-07T07:23:00Z"
---

# Cruzeiro Prepare Improved Offer For Brighton Defender Igor Julio

**Brighton & Hove Albion are braced for a fresh Cruzeiro offer for Igor Julio after rejecting the Brazilian club’s opening approach.**

[TransferFeed reports](https://www.transferfeed.com/transfers/igor-brighton-hove-albion-cruzeiro/30203474), 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](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/cruzeiro/noticia/2026/05/17/cruzeiro-faz-investida-por-igor-julio-e-aguarda-resposta-do-brighton-entenda-cenario.ghtml) 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](https://footballplace.co.uk/brighton-igor-julio-schalke-loan-transfer/) that Schalke have been negotiating a loan deal without a purchase option, while Brighton want to retain control of his future.

> We can confirm that Igor Julio has returned to the club from his loan spell at West Ham United. 🤝
>
> — Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) [January 27, 2026](https://x.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/2016232238866956306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## 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](https://readbrighton.com/2026/07/04/igor-julio-schalke-loan-brighton-control/) 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.