West Ham have ultimately been proven right over Igor Julio as the Brighton defender continues to be overlooked.
The Hammers signed the 28-year-old on a season-long loan deal at the end of the summer transfer window.
He made just four appearances under both Graham Potter and Nuno Espirito Santo before returning to Brighton in January.
The last few months have shown West Ham did not make a mistake by giving up on Julio and looking elsewhere.
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Igor Julio set to leave Brighton after making five appearances all season
A left-sided central defender, West Ham signed Julio to provide competition to Max Kilman in the backline.
However, the Brazilian made just one start – a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth – in his four months at the London Stadium.
The Hammers agreed to cut short Julio’s loan in January and look for another centre-back in the transfer market.
Axel Disasi then replaced Julio on deadline day – an inspired signing that could keep West Ham in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Julio has not played a single minute of first-team football for Brighton since he returned to the south coast.
He has often been left out of Fabian Hurzeler’s matchday squad, suggesting that he is surplus to requirements.
This vindicates Nuno’s lack of faith in the defender and West Ham’s decision to let him leave.
Julio is now expected to return to Brazil in pursuit of regular playing time when the transfer window opens in July.
According to Moon BH, via Bolavip, Palmeiras are the leading contenders to sign the ex-West Ham loanee.
The Seagulls are reportedly looking for a transfer fee in the region of £10 million to part ways with him.
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