‘Added’ – Club Put Brighton Defender On Transfer Shortlist | OneFootball

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Besiktas have ‘added’ Brighton centre-back Igor Julio to their growing shortlist of defensive targets as they continue to assess options ahead of the new season.

The Brazilian defender has been on Brighton’s books since 2023 after completing a €17m move from Fiorentina.

The Red Bull Brasil academy graduate spent the first half of last season on loan at West Ham United, although the spell was cut short in January after making just four appearances for the Hammers.

He did not feature during the second half of the campaign as Brighton went on to secure an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

With just one year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, the 28-year-old is considered surplus to requirements and has emerged as a potential target for several clubs this summer.

Recently promoted Schalke attempted to sign him last month with a loan proposal, although the move ultimately failed to materialise.

Stuttgart and Cruzeiro have also been credited with an interest in the Brazilian centre-back.

Now, according to Turkish journalist Ertan Suzgun, Besiktas have ‘added’ Julio to their extensive list of centre-back targets.

Despite being limited to just 193 minutes of first-team football last season, the Black Eagles remain undeterred and continue to view him as a potential option to strengthen their defence.

Having invested €17m to sign him, Brighton are aware he has entered the final year of his contract and are expected to consider suitable offers rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

The prospect of Europa League football could also strengthen Besiktas’ hand, although they must first come through the qualifying rounds to secure a place in the competition.

The Seagulls have already parted ways with Jan Paul van Hecke and Diego Coppola this summer, but the arrivals of Luka Vuskovic, Michael Svoboda, Pascal Struijk and Costinha have bolstered their defensive options.

It remains to be seen whether the Black Eagles step up their interest in the coming weeks and if Brighton’s defensive rebuild opens the door for Julio to leave before the transfer window closes.