Brighton defender drops exit hint after Hurzeler rebuild

Brighton and Hove Albion FC Football Sport

Brighton centre-back Igor Julio has made his intentions clear about playing football consistently.

Igor Julio’s campaign was stalled last season due to a failed loan to West Ham.

At the Hammers, he made just four appearances. After returning to Brighton in January, he remained sidelined.

However, when he joined the club in July 2023, he showed promising signs. Under former Albion manager De Zerbi, Igor thrived.

He was also part of Albion's first-ever European campaign, making six appearances in the competition.

The defender recently spoke with Lance! reporter João Brandão about last season and his future.

Julio Igor said: "It was a complicated season for me due to several factors, but it was also the season that strengthened me the most mentally and the most I prepared myself physically and psychologically.

"I tried to zero any kind of pain or discomfort on vacation and be 100% now in the preparation; I already feel very well physically and ready to compete again."

When asked about the lack of minutes he'd played, Igor opened up about his desire to feature more often. He doesn't mind if that's with or without Albion.

Igor added: "To be honest, at this moment I only think about being physically well and being ready for any opportunity that may appear.

"I'm a Brighton player, I want to have a great season, either here or somewhere else.

"I just want to be able to play again, compete and be happy. I hope this happens this season."

The 28-year-old wants time to play, which will hopefully result in a Brazil call-up. That's something the centre-back hasn't experienced just yet.

Pondering that question, the Albion defender said: "I think every player dreams of one day with the National Team.

"I'm no different, but I only think now about playing and having the opportunity to develop and reach my best level.

"The rest I think comes with time and if it's God's will."

However, it may be difficult for the Brazilian to find minutes.

Albion have undergone a major defensive rebuild during the summer transfer window following the departure of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur. It was a deal worth £52m.

The Seagulls moved quickly to replace him, bringing in 19-year-old Croatian centre-back Luka Vuskovic from Spurs for a club-record initial fee of £46m, which could rise to £50m with add-ons.

Alongside their exciting young arrival, the Seagulls also added experience with the signing of Dutch defender Pascal Struijk from Leeds United.

The 26-year-old joined in a deal worth £18m.

Austrian international centre-back Michael Svoboda also joined Brighton from Italian side Venezia.

It's likely that Igor's time on the south coast is over.