The exodus from West Ham continues, with another player who recently graced the London Stadium now attracting interest from Brazil. Following Lucas Paqueta’s return to Flamengo, a familiar face from this season’s squad is poised for a potential move to Cruzeiro.
Paqueta’s departure signaled a desire for something more – a reconnection with his roots and a return to the comfort of his boyhood club. He’d proven his quality in the Premier League, becoming a key figure for West Ham, but the pull of home proved too strong.
Now, Igor Julio, the Brighton defender who spent a brief period on loan with West Ham, finds himself in Cruzeiro’s sights. Brazilian journalist Samuel Venancio reports the club is actively pursuing the 27-year-old.
Julio’s time in East London was fleeting, limited to just four appearances between September and January. The loan was ultimately cut short, as Brighton recognized his struggle for consistent playing time.
The Premier League hasn’t been kind to Julio, and Cruzeiro represents a chance to reignite his career in familiar surroundings. Brighton, however, are firm: they’re seeking a permanent transfer, not another loan spell.
Previous interest from Palmeiras stalled due to a valuation gap – they were unwilling to meet Brighton’s £6 million asking price. Cruzeiro now steps into the picture, offering a potential solution for all parties.
Intriguingly, Cruzeiro’s first match of the year is against Flamengo. Should a deal materialize, Julio could find himself facing off against Paqueta in a compelling Brazilian showdown.
Cruzeiro has a limited window to finalize the transfer, with a deadline of March 3rd looming. The coming weeks will determine if Julio will be returning to Brazil to forge a new chapter in his career.
