The approach was reported by ESPN Brasil and confirmed by Globo Esporte. Cruzeiro's opening bid is understood to fall slightly below Brighton's asking price of six million euros, with the gap between the clubs considered small. Sources close to the negotiation describe the mood as optimistic and expect Cruzeiro to improve their offer in a second approach if the first is rejected, as expected.
The primary sticking point at present is not the fee itself but the payment structure, with Brighton and Cruzeiro yet to agree on how and when the transfer sum would be transferred.
The Premier League season complicates matters — Brighton are fighting for a Europa League place and are not expected to formally resolve the situation before the English campaign concludes.
Igor Júlio was born in Bom Sucesso, Minas Gerais, but has never played professionally in Brazil, having built his entire career in Europe. He spent three seasons at Fiorentina before joining Brighton in 2023, accumulating 110 appearances in Italy.
This season he moved on loan to West Ham United in September but made only four appearances before being returned to Brighton in January. He has played once for the club since, and has no route back into the first team.
The defender has made clear his desire to eventually play in Brazil and is understood to be open to a move to Cruzeiro, a club he has publicly named as his dream destination. Brighton are prepared to let him go and Cruzeiro would tie him to a contract through to 2030 if a deal is reached.
Palmeiras had also been monitoring his situation, but moved on to other targets, leaving the path clear for Cruzeiro to accelerate.