West Ham have hijacked Crystal Palace’s move for Igor Júlio, even after the Brazilian had already completed medical tests with the Eagles earlier on deadline day.
The twist is detailed by Globo Esporte, who stresses the information has been checked and confirmed by the Brazilian press.
The 27-year-old centre-back, under contract with Brighton, spent the morning undergoing medical checks in London, preparing to finalise a loan switch to Palace.
However, West Ham arrived late in the race and convinced him to change course, with Igor giving the Hammers his approval instead.
Journalist Charlie Parker-Turner had already reported on the development, and Globo Esporte validated the story, confirming that the Brazilian turned down Palace’s offer despite being on the verge of signing.
The decision was reportedly made because Igor expects more playing time at West Ham than he would have under Oliver Glasner.
Meanwhile, Palace are still set to lose Marc Guéhi to Liverpool. The defender has also completed medicals and, according to The Athletic, is moving for around £35m.
Palace had planned for Igor as a direct replacement, but West Ham’s late intervention leaves them scrambling just hours before the window shuts.
