Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Sat 28 June 2025 13:51, UK
Leeds are keen on further strengthening their defence this summer, having already completed the high-profile addition of Jaka Bijol.
Bijol has joined from Udinese and will bring aerial dominance and leadership to the back line, but there is still work to do.
Leeds are well aware of the step-up in quality from the Championship to the Premier League, and now want to add another proven option to their squad who can hit the ground running.
Brighton centre-back Igor Julio has now been targeted, but Leeds will face stiff competition for his signature, with big changes coming at Elland Road.
Jaka Bijol Leeds United
Bijol has joined from Udinese (Credit: Imago)
Leeds enter race for Julio
Igor suffered an injury-hit year with Brighton, but has impressed in his two seasons in the Premier League since his move from Fiorentina.
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The 27-year-old is a left-sided centre-back who is also comfortable at left-back, making him an attractive proposition for several clubs.
El Diario Vasco (28 June) has now reported that Leeds, Wolves and Crystal Palace are all interested in the Brazilian, while Spanish sides Real Madrid and Villarreal are also keeping an eye on him.
Stat Igor Julio
Appearances 37
Yellow cards 8
Minutes played 2596
Igor’s Premier League stats
His versatility as a left-footed centre-back makes him a rare profile, with Leeds picking up the phone to make an approach already at the AMEX.
This is the biggest sign yet that Daniel Farke could be ready to change his system to adapt to the top flight, already having Bijol, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in his ranks.
Leeds United's Daniel Farke.
Daniel Farke could change formation (Credit: Imago)
Farke could change Leeds formation
In Bijol, Struijk, Ethan Ampadu and Rodon, Leeds have a strong roster of possible centre-backs, and Igor would be another if they can complete a deal.
The interest in Igor could indicate that Farke may switch to a back three, or at least wants the option of doing so in the Premier League.
This could be a move to make Leeds more solid at the back against top-level attackers, while Ampadu’s potential presence in defence will ensure that they can build up play from deep.
Igor could cover the left side in either formation, as both a centre-back and full-back, and it would be a coup if Leeds could convince him to join from an established Premier League side.
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