Crystal Palace have pulled off a major surprise, reaching an agreement with rivals Brighton to sign defender Igor Julio on a season-long loan.
🚨🔵🔴 Understand Igor is undergoing his medical at Crystal Palace right now!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025
Agreement done with #CPFC on loan with option to buy from Brighton. 🇧🇷
Here we go. ✅ pic.twitter.com/OQoJshEJYh
The deal, which comes after a quiet summer for the Eagles, is a significant statement of intent and a major talking point on a chaotic transfer deadline day.
The loan deal reportedly includes an option for Palace to buy him at the end of the season, giving the club a low-risk, high-reward option to bolster their defence.
The transfer is a controversial one, given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
However, it appears both parties were willing to get the deal done, with Igor having fallen down the pecking order at Brighton.
For Igor, the move to Palace offers him a chance to get more first-team football in the Premier League.
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The deal also has wider implications for the Premier League transfer market.
Palace are reportedly in talks to sign two central defenders, and the arrival of Igor could unlock captain Marc Guehi's anticipated move to Liverpool.
Liverpool are reportedly "getting closer to an agreement" for Guehi, but Palace have insisted they will not sell him until they have a replacement.
While West Ham were also interested in Igor as a replacement for Nayef Aguerd, Palace are now "ahead" of them in negotiations, securing a major coup in the transfer market.