FC Schalke 04 has officially confirmed interest in Igor Julio (28) from Brighton & Hove Albion – a potential transfer that could instantly strengthen the squad. The Brazilian is currently valued at €10 million, and the Königsblauen are aiming for a loan with an option to buy.

Why is Igor Julio the target?

The left‑back made 33 appearances for Brighton last season and proved solid defensively. Under German coach Fabian Hürzeler (33), his playing time dropped to 17 matches over the past two years, suggesting he is under‑utilised in England. For Schalke, which has just cemented its lead in the 2. Bundesliga, Julio could significantly boost Miron Muslic's (43) planned three‑man back line.

How does Julio fit into the current squad plan?

After the recent 1‑0 win over Eintracht Braunschweig on 17 May 2026 (last result), Schalke sits atop the table with 70 points – 21 wins, 7 draws and 6 losses from 34 games. The team enjoys a +19 goal difference (50 scored, 31 conceded) and an 8‑point lead over SV Elversberg. In this strong phase, the club still seeks a left‑ and a right‑back to tighten the defence.

What financial terms are expected?

Julio's market value of €10 million is slightly above the most expensive current squad member Soufiane El‑Faouzi (23), valued at €9 million. About a year and a half ago he was rated at €22 million, indicating a purchase could be negotiated at a moderate price. The proposed loan with a purchase option gives Schalke flexibility to limit risk if the integration does not go as planned.

What does this mean for upcoming transfers?

If talks fall through, Schalke already has alternatives. One potential name, now definitively out, is Sean Dulic (21) from 1860 München, who chose TSG Hoffenheim instead. Meanwhile, other signings such as Satoshi Tanaka (23) from Düsseldorf, Junior Adamu (25) from Freiburg, Dina Ebimbe (25) from Frankfurt and Kevin Müller (35) from Heidenheim are already in the pipeline. The mix of experienced and young players aims to ready the side for promotion to the Bundesliga.

What is the short‑term outlook?

With a recent form of WLWWW and a two‑game winning streak, Schalke is well‑placed to finish the season strongly. The possible arrival of Igor Julio could stabilise the back line before the summer break. Sporting director Frank Baumann (50) and squad planner Maximilian Lüftl (31) are already working intensively on the details, making a deal before the transfer deadline plausible.