West Ham’s summer transfer window slammed shut with the arrival of Igor Julio from Brighton — but things could have turned out very differently.
The Hammers announced the season-long loan signing of the 27-year-old Brazilian defender after a frustrating wait for new faces at the back.
Julio, who joined Brighton from Fiorentina for £14.5 million in 2023, has 37 Premier League appearances under his belt but had been reduced to just a Carabao Cup cameo this season.
Manager Graham Potter was delighted to finally land defensive cover.
“He is an experienced defender with a good pedigree. He knows the Premier League well and has impressed during his time with Brighton,” he told the club’s website.
“He has strengths and qualities that we believe will help us and add to what we already have here, and I know he is really excited about the challenge and wearing the West Ham United shirt.”
A useful addition, sure. But as it turns out, West Ham had their sights on another defender before settling on Julio.
West Ham Tried for Jayden Oosterwolde
According to Turkish outlet Milliyet, via Inside Futbol, the Hammers made a late approach to Fenerbahce over 24-year-old centre-back Jayden Oosterwolde on deadline day.
The answer? A firm no.
Fenerbahce reportedly had zero intention of letting the Dutchman go — even with the Turkish transfer window still open to find a replacement.
Oosterwolde has three years left on his contract and, when fit, has been a key player since joining in January 2023. He’s racked up 67 appearances for the Istanbul giants, although last season was disrupted by injury.
Still, his importance to Fenerbahce was made clear by none other than former Fener coach Jose Mourinho, who said it was “really hard” to play without him.
That’s high praise from the Special One — and a sign of just how highly rated Oosterwolde is, and what West Ham have missed out on.
