‘Agreed’ – Fabrizio Romano confirms Real Sociedad deal after interest in Brighton star

⚽ Transfer Background & Context

The Brighton Center-Back Saga

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor, a versatile Brazilian centre-back who can also fill in at full-back, has been at the center of transfer speculation throughout the summer of 2025. Brighton signed him in 2023 from Fiorentina for around £15 million, and his contract runs until June 2027 (with a possible one-year extension) SussexWorldTribuna.com.

Reports from June 24, 2025 indicated that Real Sociedad and Igor had agreed personal terms, with the player described as “keen on the move.” However, at that point, negotiations between the clubs were still ongoing Arizona Sports Fans ForumTribuna.com.

Complicating Factors

Brighton suffered a setback when defender Adam Webster sustained serious knee ligament damage during a preseason training camp, ruling him out for much of the upcoming season. That injury raised Brighton’s urgency to retain defensive depth or seek replacements . Meanwhile, another prospect, Eiran Cashin, has departed on loan to Birmingham SussexWorld.

In this context, Igor faced competition from established defenders Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, as well as new summer signings Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli, making his future at the club uncertain SussexWorld.

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🚨 Fabrizio Romano’s “Agreed” Confirmation

On July 29, 2025, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano formally confirmed that Real Sociedad had agreed a deal, but intriguingly not for Igor. Instead, the agreement involved Croatian centre-back Duje Caleta Car, currently at Olympique Lyonnais (OL) .

Romano’s exact statement (via SussexWorld):

“Loan deal agreed with OL with full salary covered and €3m buy option clause not mandatory.”
—   Fabrizio Romano, July 29, 2025 SussexWorld

This post clarified that Caleta Car — not Igor — was the player Real Sociedad had sealed. The coverage indicated a loan arrangement from Lyon with salary fully covered and an option to buy for €3 million, though that clause isn’t obligatory.

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🔍 What This Means for Igor

Romano’s confirmation leaves Igor’s situation open-ended:

• Real Sociedad’s focus appears to have shifted to Caleta Car; the Igor transfer has not been officially agreed by both clubs.
• Igor had personal terms agreed, but the club-to-club deal hasn’t been finalized, judging from Romano’s statement about Caleta Car instead Tribuna.comSussexWorld.
• The injury to Webster may actually work in Igor’s favor if Brighton chooses to hold onto defensive options due to squad depth issues SussexWorld.

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🔄 Clubs & Tactical Outlook

Real Sociedad’s Defensive Strategy

Following the departure of Nayef Aguerd, Sociedad are clearly targeting defensive reinforcements. The pursuit of a left-sided centre-back suggests a moderate retooling. Caleta Car brings big‑match experience from Marseille and RB Salzburg. The loan with optional buy structure offers flexibility SussexWorld.

Brighton’s Position

Brighton may now reassess Igor’s role:

• If Webster’s recovery is long, Igor could remain an alternative or rotational option.
• Alternatively, Brighton could pursue other buyers if multiple centre-backs exit – or monetize further squad depth.

Also, players like Eiran Cashin and others departing may leave room for Igor’s continued involvement if club leadership wants stability SussexWorld.

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📌 Timeline of Key Events

Date	Milestone	Details
June 24, 2025	Romano reports personal terms agreed for Igor	Ongoing club negotiations noted
July 29, 2025	Romano confirms Real Sociedad deal — for Duje Caleta Car	Loan deal agreed with OL, salary covered, €3m optional fee SussexWorld
Preseason 2025	Webster suffers knee injury	Possible domino effect on defensive squad depth SussexWorld

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🧠 Analysis & Implications

For Igor

• His personal terms with Sociedad were agreed, but Real’s eventual move for Caleta Car suggests the club opted for a different profile.
• Unless another club enters the race, Igor may well remain at Brighton or await alternative suitors.

For Real Sociedad

• They prefer a short-term loan solution with longstanding experience (Caleta Car) rather than committing to a permanent deal.
• The “€3m buy option not mandatory” demonstrates cautious financial planning and flexibility.

For Brighton

• Webster’s injury makes squad depth critical — Caleb Car’s arrival won’t affect Brighton directly, but Igor’s departure now appears less certain.
• Brighton may still want to sell Igor to generate funds or reduce wages, but only if they reinforce accordingly.

Wider Market Context

• Brighton remain involved in other transfer dealings (e.g., striker Evan Ferguson to Roma, João Pedro to Chelsea), showcasing broader summer restructuring sportsmole.co.uknewsnow.com.
• The Premier League landscape continues dynamic—Brighton’s outgoing and incoming negotiations reflect a club in transition.

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🗣️ Fan Commentary (From Reddit)

Though not directly tied to this specific deal, fan sentiment in Brighton circles reflects frustration at departures, especially involving young players. For example:

“Ian Adingra… deal done with Brighton for €21m fixed fee plus €3m add‑ons… personal terms also agreed.”
— Reddit posts highlight the club’s trend of youth departures reddit.comreddit.com.

That said, no Igor-specific fan quotes surfaced yet—suggesting communication on his status remains limited.

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🧭 Bottom Line

• As of July 29, 2025, Fabrizio Romano confirmed a Real Sociedad transfer, but for Duje Caleta Car, not Igor.
• Igor has not been officially sold or loaned, despite earlier reports that his personal terms were agreed.
• Brighton’s defensive injury crisis complicates decisions; club may choose caution in letting Igor go.
• Unless other parties enter the conversation or further announcements emerge, Igor remains in limbo — neither confirmed departure nor committed stay.

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🔭 What To Watch Next

1. Statements or confirmations from Real Sociedad or Brighton regarding Igor’s next club.
2. Medical or official announcements for Caleta Car joining Sociedad — to seal the deal.
3. Brighton defender fitness updates (especially Webster’s recovery) which may alter strategic decisions.
4. Market activity— if clubs like Everton, Wolves, or others revive interest in Igor.

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✏️ Summary

• Romano’s “Agreed” tag confirmed a deal with Real Sociedad, but surprisingly for Caleta Car, not the previously speculated Igor.
• Igor’s personal terms were agreed, but the inter-club transfer is not finalized.
• Webster’s injury may shift Brighton’s position toward retention rather than sale, adding complexity.
• Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves remain as rumored suitors, but nothing is confirmed.
• The Caleta Car move shows Sociedad’s cautious approach via loan‑with‑optional‑purchase rather than long-term commitment.

In short: Romano’s update confirmed one deal—and ruled Igor out, at least for now. The Brazilian defender’s future remains unresolved until Brighton and Sociedad (or another club) reach a formal conclusion.