West Ham lead Palace in race to sign Igor Julio

West Ham have reportedly beaten Crystal Palace to the signing of 27-year-old centre-back Igor Julio from Brighton, with the former Fiorentina and RB Salzburg player set to join for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign. Brighton signed Igor Julio for 17 million euros in 2023, and he has played 37 times in the Premier League for his club.

Palace have been desperately scouring Europe for a replacement for the outgoing Marc Guehi, who is set to join Liverpool for around £47 million before the close of the transfer window. Palace are forced to sell the England international as he entered the last year of his contract.

West Ham have struggled somewhat defensively in their opening games of the season, despite winning 3-0 at Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and now have beaten the Eagles to Igor Julio's signature.

It is understood the Hammers will bring the Brazilian in on loan with a view to a permanent transfer, worth approximately £20 million.

The defender appeared just 13 times in the top flight last season and has been informed he is free to leave the South Coast side.