Transfer News! Man Utd are keen on Juve's €50m enforcer Bremer
Manchester United is reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of a Brazilian player, seeing him as a potential boost to their defense.
Under the influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United is witnessing a shift in their transfer strategy aimed at challenging the dominance of Manchester City and Liverpool. The new minority owner emphasizes a balanced approach to spending and aims to revamp the team without extravagant expenses.
United is focusing on addressing weaknesses within the team and seeks players who align with their long-term vision. They are particularly keen on strengthening their aging defense, with Juventus defender Gleison Bremer emerging as a primary target.
According to reports from Calciomercato, Manchester United has initiated talks with Bremer's representatives, and Juventus appears willing to negotiate despite the player signing a new contract in December. The contract reportedly includes a release clause of €50 million (£43m/$54m), representing good value for a player of Bremer's caliber.
Manchester United supporters who haven't closely tracked his progress in Serie A may not be overly enthusiastic about his potential signing. However, GOAL aims to change that by exploring the career of one of the most underappreciated central defenders in football.
Where it all began
Bremer hails from Itapitanga, a municipality in the Bahia region of Brazil, where he didn't have access to formal football coaching during his upbringing. His father, who had amateur experience playing for Brazil, introduced him to the sport, even naming him after German football legend Andreas Brehme.
At the age of 14, Bremer decided to pursue football seriously. However, due to limited opportunities in his hometown, he had to travel extensively to join a club. Eventually, he relocated to Sao Paulo at 14 and started playing for Desportivo Brasil at 16, having previously played wherever and whenever he could.
His formative years playing street football taught him valuable skills, including resilience, aggression, and cleverness on the field. To support his passion, Bremer sold ice creams to fund his travels for away games with Desportivo. His street-smart style of play quickly earned him a prominent role in the team, leading to a loan move to Sao Paulo, where he made his professional debut for the reserves at 19 and contributed to their success in the Under-20 Copa do Brasil.
The big break
In the summer of 2018, Torino secured Bremer's services in a £5m deal with Atletico, signing him to a five-year contract. However, his initial impact was limited, with only seven appearances across all competitions in his first season. Adapting to the tactical nuances of Italian football proved challenging for the Brazilian, who found the transition from Belo Horizonte to Turin quite different.
Bremer's breakthrough moment arrived when he was given his first start in Torino's Derby della Mole clash against Juventus by head coach Walter Mazzarri. Despite the match ending in a 1-1 draw with Cristiano Ronaldo salvaging a late goal for Juventus, Bremer's performance in the heart of Torino's defense was highly praised.
Following the retirement of Emiliano Moretti, Bremer secured a permanent spot in the team's defense and became an indispensable player for Torino. Despite the club facing relegation threats in both the 2019-20 and the subsequent seasons, Bremer's consistent performances played a crucial role in helping Torino avoid the drop.
Despite the struggles, the arrival of Ivan Juric as head coach marked a turning point for both Torino's fortunes and Bremer's development, as they experienced an upturn in form and results.
How it's going
In the 2021-2022 season, Torino made significant strides, finishing 10th in Serie A, with Bremer earning recognition as the league's best defender. Recognizing his talent, Torino extended his contract until 2024. However, Juventus made a €41m bid to acquire Bremer from their city rivals, aiming to fill the void left by Matthijs de Ligt's departure to Bayern Munich.
Under coach Allegri, Bremer seamlessly integrated into Juventus, forming a solid partnership with Leonardo Bonucci from the start. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team, making his debut in a friendly against Ghana and later participating in the World Cup in Qatar.
Despite Juventus' struggles in the latter half of the 2022-2023 season, marked by a points deduction and a seventh-placed Serie A finish, Bremer continued to excel individually. He contributed significantly with five goals, including one against former club Torino, drawing high praise from his former coach, Ivan Juric.
Bremer's importance to Juventus prompted the club to extend his contract until 2028. Despite the team's mixed fortunes, he remains a standout performer, demonstrating his defensive prowess and commitment to success. While Juventus may face challenges in retaining him beyond the current season, Bremer's potential and impact suggest his best years may lie ahead.
Biggest strengths
Bremer possesses all the essential qualities of a top-tier defender: strength, speed, aerial dominance, and excellent game-reading abilities. He rarely loses out in one-on-one situations and is adept at anticipating and neutralizing opponent attacks.
Former Torino interim manager Moreno Longo aptly described Bremer's playing style, highlighting his imposing physical presence, fearless defending even in open spaces, and commanding presence on the field. Longo emphasized that such qualities make Bremer an ideal choice for any team.
Manchester United might also be eyeing Bremer for his attacking contributions, particularly his threat during set-piece situations. His knack for scoring goals from corners and free-kicks, coupled with his sharp instincts inside the box, could address United's struggles in converting set-pieces. Moreover, Bremer's style of play seems well-suited to the demands of English football, drawing inspiration from former Chelsea star David Luiz and Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, as he mentioned in a recent interview with The Telegraph.
