Brighton Defender Hints at Exit After Summer Squad Overhaul Under Hurzeler
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor Julio has admitted that his main priority ahead of the new season is to return to regular first-team football, even if that ultimately means continuing his career away from the Amex Stadium. The Brazilian centre-back, whose progress has been disrupted by injuries and limited opportunities, acknowledged that consistent playing time is now more important than anything else as he looks to revive his career.
The 28-year-old endured an extremely frustrating 2025/26 campaign. A loan move to West Ham United failed to provide the fresh start he had hoped for, with the defender making only four appearances during his spell in East London. After returning to Brighton in January, Igor was unable to establish himself in Fabian Hurzeler’s plans and spent much of the remainder of the season sidelined, leaving him without the regular football he craved.
His struggles came as a stark contrast to the encouraging start he made following his arrival from Fiorentina in the summer of 2023. Under former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Igor quickly demonstrated his quality, impressing with composed performances in defence and earning valuable experience during the club’s historic first-ever European campaign. He featured six times in continental competition, suggesting he could become an important part of Brighton’s long-term plans before injuries halted his momentum.
Reflecting on the difficult season during an interview with Brazilian outlet Lance!, Igor admitted the challenges extended beyond simply missing matches. He explained that the setbacks ultimately made him stronger both mentally and physically, forcing him to develop resilience while focusing on his recovery.
The defender revealed that he used the off-season to completely eliminate any lingering pain or discomfort, adding that he now feels fully fit and ready to compete again. After months of rehabilitation and preparation, he believes he has returned to peak condition and is eager to prove himself whenever an opportunity arises.
Despite remaining under contract with Brighton, Igor acknowledged that his future is uncertain. Rather than concentrating on where he will play, he insisted his primary goal is simply to get back onto the pitch consistently.
He explained that while he remains a Brighton player and would love to enjoy a successful season with the club, he is equally open to pursuing opportunities elsewhere if that allows him to play regularly. According to the Brazilian, happiness comes from competing every week, and that is his biggest ambition heading into the new campaign.
Regular football is also crucial to another major objective in Igor’s career—earning his first senior call-up to the Brazilian national team. Although representing Brazil remains one of his biggest dreams, he stressed that he is not allowing himself to become distracted by international ambitions.
Instead, the centre-back believes the focus must remain on performing consistently at club level. If he can regain his best form and establish himself as a regular starter, he feels any international recognition will naturally follow in time.
However, securing minutes at Brighton could prove increasingly difficult following the club’s extensive defensive rebuild this summer.
The Seagulls reshaped their backline after selling Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal reportedly worth £52 million. Brighton wasted little time reinvesting those funds, completing the high-profile signing of highly rated Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic from Spurs for a club-record initial fee of £46 million, with the package potentially rising to £50 million through performance-related add-ons.
The club also strengthened its defensive options by bringing in experienced Dutch centre-back Pascal Struijk from Leeds United for around £18 million, adding proven Premier League quality to Hurzeler’s squad. Brighton further reinforced their defence with the arrival of Austrian international Michael Svoboda, who joined from Italian side Venezia.
With several new defenders arriving and competition for places becoming fiercer than ever, Igor faces an uphill battle to break back into Brighton’s starting lineup. The influx of defensive talent has fueled growing speculation that the Brazilian could leave before the transfer window closes, either on loan or permanently.
While no decision has been made regarding his future, Igor’s recent comments strongly suggest that regular football—not necessarily remaining at Brighton—is now his top priority. Whether that opportunity comes on the south coast or elsewhere, the experienced defender appears determined to put an injury-hit season behind him and reignite his career.
