Albion have signed left-sided defender Igor Julio from Fiorentina.

The 25-year-old Brazilian has signed on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

He made 27 Serie A appearances for the Italian side last season including in their Europa Conference League defeat to West Ham in June.

Julio is expected to link up with his new teammates next week after their tour of the US.

He was expected to cost around £14 million.

The Argus: Igor Julio described it as a 'childhood dream' to play in the Premier LeagueIgor Julio described it as a 'childhood dream' to play in the Premier League (Image: James Boardman/BHAFC)

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “Igor is another important player who can help us in a crucial position within the team; where the play starts.”

Speaking on Albion’s website, Julio described it as a childhood dream to play in the Premier League.

He said: “I’m very happy and excited to start playing as soon as possible. I’m happy to be here,” he said.

“I want to be here to play for the coach that wanted me and the style of play at Brighton also fits well with my own style.

“It’s a childhood dream to play in the Premier League, I’m very excited. It’s always been my goal to play here. I’m really happy to reach this level.

“As always, I’m going to play the hardest as possible on the pitch. I’ll do my best every day, but most importantly to try and win the heart of the fans.”

The 25-year-old Brazilian joined Fiorentina two years ago from Italian outfit SPAL and has gone on to make 110 appearances for Fiorentina.

Last season he played 42 times in all competitions and helped them to an eighth-place finish in Serie A.

Igor also played a key role in helping Fiorentina reach the final of the Europa Conference League and came on as substitute when they lost 2-1 to West Ham United in the final; Fiorentina were also runners-up in the Coppa Italia last season.

Igor started his career with Santos-based Portuguesa in Brazil before moving to Austria in 2016 where he played for second-tier club FC Liefering, before spells in the Austrian top-flight with Red Bull Salzburg and on loan at Wolfsberger and Austria Wien.