Brighton have spent the past few months watching Igor Julio drift closer and closer towards a possible exit, with interest from Brazil steadily growing around the defender.
What started with exploratory contacts and social media hints has now developed into formal negotiations.
Cruzeiro have tracked the centre-back since the last transfer window, Igor Julio publicly admitted there had been contact, and reports in Brazil repeatedly suggested the player was open to a return home despite preferring to stay in Europe.
Now the situation has reached another stage.
Brighton yet to respond
According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Cruzeiro are currently waiting for an official response from Brighton after submitting their first formal offer for the defender.
The proposal came in below Brighton’s asking price of around £5.1m (€6m) that we previously covered. People involved in the talks reportedly expect the Seagulls to reject that opening bid.
However, Cruzeiro already have room prepared for a second offer and believe the difference is small enough to overcome.
Still, negotiations are ongoing and optimism remains high. But the Brazilian story is clear on suggesting this first bid was more about formally opening the process than immediately completing the transfer.
Club already opened door for exit
One of the most significant details in the latest reporting concerns Brighton’s own position behind the scenes.
According to Globo Esporte, Cruzeiro were informed during the initial contacts that Igor Julio had permission to search for a new club. That strongly suggests Brighton are already preparing for the defender’s departure this summer.
The timing may also explain part of the delay. Even though Igor Julio has barely featured recently, Brighton are still battling for European qualification in the Premier League.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side currently sit seventh, enough for a Conference League place, while Bournemouth remain only two points away from the Europa League spot.
Because of that, Brighton may prefer to wait until the league season finishes before giving a definitive answer.
Cruzeiro preparing next move
Cruzeiro’s interest has clearly moved beyond the exploratory phase.
If the deal progresses, Igor Julio is expected to sign a contract running until 2030. Artur Jorge sees the defender as one of the club’s priority targets for the second half of the year as Cruzeiro continue searching for defensive reinforcements.
The 28-year-old endured a frustrating season in England. He played only four matches during his loan spell at West Ham United before returning to Brighton earlier this year, where he has added just one more full appearance.
Now attention turns towards Brighton’s expected response – and whether Cruzeiro’s likely second bid will finally move the deal towards completion.
