West Ham sign Brighton defender Igor on loan

Igor Julio joined Brighton from Fiorentina in 2023

West Ham United have signed Brazil defender Igor Julio on a season-long loan from fellow Premier League club Brighton.

The 27-year-old centre-back has made 37 league appearances for Brighton since joining from Fiorentina for £14.5m in 2023, but has been limited to just one Carabao Cup appearance this season.

Crystal Palace had considered signing him earlier on deadline day as they looked to replace Liverpool-bound Marc Guehi, but the Eagles pulled the plug on that move when Igor opted to move to West Ham.

"He is an experienced defender with a good pedigree. He knows the Premier League well and has impressed during his time with Brighton," West Ham manager Graham Potter told the club's website.

"He has strengths and qualities that we believe will help us and add to what we already have here, and I know he is really excited about the challenge and wearing the West Ham United shirt."