Igor Julio has opened the door to leaving Brighton as he searches for regular first-team football.
His future appears uncertain following Fabian Hürzeler’s major defensive rebuild this summer.
The Brazilian endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. He made only four appearances during an unsuccessful loan spell at West Ham before returning to Brighton in January.
Igor has now told Brazilian outlet Lance that he used the summer to remove any remaining pain and feels ready to compete again.
“I’m a Brighton player, I want to have a great season, either here or somewhere else,” he said.
The 28-year-old added that his priority is to play regularly and enjoy his football again. Consistent minutes could also strengthen his hopes of earning a first call-up to the Brazil national team.
Igor Julio Brighton future complicated by new arrivals
Igor faces considerable competition if he remains at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton have signed Luka Vušković, Pascal Struijk and Michael Svoboda as part of their defensive overhaul. Vušković arrived from Tottenham on a five-year contract after Jan Paul van Hecke moved in the opposite direction.
ReadBrighton has already examined how Albion plan to rebuild their defence without Van Hecke. The arrivals leave Igor needing to force his way past several new options in Hürzeler’s plans.
The left-footed centre-back has previously shown he can contribute. He made 50 Brighton appearances after joining from Fiorentina in 2023 and featured six times during the club’s first European campaign.
However, Brighton have explored possible exits for Igor this summer. Schalke opened talks over a loan in June, while Cruzeiro have also shown interest in taking him back to Brazil.
The Igor Julio Brighton future has not yet been decided. His comments make clear that remaining at the Amex is possible, but only if there is a genuine pathway to regular football.
