Swansea City in advanced talks over Brighton loan swoop, move expected to go through

Swansea City are expected to sign Carl Rushworth on loan once he returns from Brighton & Hove Albion’s trip to America, as per TEAMtalk.

Sources: Swansea prepare Brighton raid for England U21 international Carl Rushworth

Swansea City have been on the hunt for a goalkeeper for much of the summer and thus far, the addition has eluded them

Steven Benda’s injury means Andy Fisher is the only fit first-team ‘keeper in Michael Duff’s squad, so a new goalkeeper has been viewed as a matter of importance. Plenty of names have been linked, with Brighton talent Rushworth among those mentioned.

Now, a new report from TEAMtalk has said advanced talks are ongoing between Swansea and Brighton over a temporary deal for Rushworth. The expectation is that he will head to South Wales once the Seagulls’ pre-season trip to the U.S. is concluded.

A step up to the Championship looks to be next for the 22-year-old shot-stopper after impressive spells with Walsall and Lincoln City in League Two and League One respectively.

A solid addition

Carl Rushworth: Brighton & Hove Albion keeper joins Walsall on loan - BBC Sport

Should Rushworth’s move to Swansea City all fall into place, they’ll have a strong goalkeeper on their hands.

He looked a level above in his first EFL loan with Walsall and after making a good impression with Lincoln City , the Championship is the logical next step. He’s an England youth international and as a Brighton goalkeeper, he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet while also boasting solid shot-stopping abilities.

In Rushworth, Fisher and Benda (when the latter is fit again), Duff will have a solid goalkeeping department. Many were impressed with Benda when he got his chance in the side last season, so he should be solid competition for the Brighton starlet if the move goes through when he’s back in the UK.

BRAZILIAN PLAYER ABOUT TO JOIN BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

Brazilian defender Igor Julio is set to have a medical this week ahead of his move to Brighton & Hove Albion according to reports from Italy. The highly-rated Fiorentina defender is set to depart Florence and make a move to the Seagulls.

That’s according to Italian outlet Fiorentina News, who claim that the defender is set to make the move to Roberto De Zerbi’s side in the next few hours.

The two clubs reportedly agreed a deal for the Brazilian defender, according to The Athletic, so it does seem to be moving in the right direction for Brighton.

Brighton begin negotiations with Fiorentina over a move for centre back Igor Julio| All Football

The report states that Fiorentina have begun their search to replace the 25-year-old which suggests the deal is imminent for the defender to make the move to the Premier League outfit, soon.

Firenzeviol.it, another Italian outlet, takes it a step further with their report. They say Julio has already said his goodbyes to his teammates and to the fans over the weekend ahead of the move to the south coast.

Brighton medical scheduled for Igor Julio

Brighton agree fee with Fiorentina for Igor Julio - The Athletic

A medical is reportedly being prepared for today with the contracts set to be signed in the ‘next few hours’ and then he will become a ‘fully fledged Brighton player’ according to the same report.

The defender was crucial for Fiorentina as they reached the Europa Conference League final against West Ham United.

Julio was perhaps unfortunate to be on the losing side.

A reported fee of £17 million for the defender according to Sky Sports, would represent a significant coup for Brighton as they prepare for Europa League football.

The 25-year-old excels in his passing (88% completion rate) and progressive passes (3.33 per 90) according to FBREF, so he will fit the style of play that Roberto De Zerbi will want from his centre-backs.

Igor will be the next new signing for the Seagulls after the capture of Joao Pedro from Watford and James Milner from Liverpool as well as the signing of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht.

Brighton have done extremely well in recent years and will be determined to finish in the top six of the Premier League table next season.