Brighton have confirmed their signing of Igor Julio from Fiorentina… with the defender bringing experience of European football after run to Europa Conference League final
- Brighton have confirmed the signing of Fiorentina defender Igor Julio
- The 25-year-old Brazilian has multiple seasons of Serie A football under his belt
- He was part of the squad who reached the Europa Conference League final
Brighton have confirmed the signing of Fiorentina defender Igor Julio following the completion of his medical yesterday.
Mail Sport revealed last week that the Seagulls were closing in on the 25-year-old.
Julio was part of the Fiorentina side that made the Europa Conference League final last season and came off the bench against West Ham.
In all competitions, the Brazilian made 42 appearances for I Viola in 2022/23.
Roberto de Zerbi has been keen to strengthen his backline after finding Chelsea resistant to their advances for Levi Colwill, who was on loan at the Amex last season.
Brighton have announced the signing of Fiorentina defender Igor Julio
Roberto de Zerbi wanted to plug the defensive gap after Levi Colwill’s (above) loan expired
Colwill was complimented for bringing a strong aerial and physical presence and it is thought that Julio fits a similar mould.
The Brazilian is not a hugely well-known name and as such fits the club’s policy of identifying under-the-radar players who could go on to become unexpected fan favourites.
Brighton’s transfer business does not stop here and they are closing in on a deal for Preston star Jacob Slater, 18.
Lilywhites manager Ryan Lowe has previously described the youngster as ‘phenomenal’.
After joining the Lancashire club at U12s level, he signed his first professional contract last September, not long after he made his debut.
Additionally, Brighton are sending winger Jeremy Sarmiento to West Brom on loan.
In two seasons on the south coast, the Ecuador international has made 19 appearances and was at the Qatar World Cup.
Preston’s Jacob Slater, aged 18, is also a target for the Seagulls and has a good reputation
Brighton are sending winger Jeremy Sarmiento on loan to Championship club West Brom