Report: Manchester United preparing to trigger release clause of Juventus defensive rock

According to the British newspaper the i, Manchester United have made Juventus star Gleison Bremer their summer transfer window’s top defensive target.

A lot of changes are about to take place at Manchester United this summer, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team aiming to make the club competitive on the pitch once again. The British billionaire has made defensive signings a top priority following the team’s poor displays since the start of the season.

The Red Devils want to add at least a couple of central defenders to their squad, as it’s been practically a struggle for Erik ten Hag to keep a settled back four due to injuries and fitness concerns. This has led to the club plotting a swoop for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer.

Since joining Juventus from rivals Torino in 2022, Bremer, 26, has been a stalwart at the back, racking up an impressive seven goals in 70 appearances across all competitions. The Brazilian international signed a new deal with the Old Lady in 2023, but that contains a release clause of around £43m. The I claims it is that £43m release clause that has grabbed Man United’s eyeballs.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is a top target of the INEOS, although the Merseyside club could ask around £75m for his signature. The Juventus defender is thus viewed as a more viable target, particularly given the club’s need to address a number of positions across the squad, the report adds.

However, should the club boost their transfer kitty by raising around £100m through player sales, they will also look to get a deal done for left-footed centre back Branthwaite.

Red Devil Armada’s verdict:

Gleison Bremer has been among the best defenders in Serie A for some time now. He has managed to take his game to the next level at Juventus, and it isn’t surprising to see our club keen to bring him to Old Trafford.

We need a top-class player to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the defence, and Bremer would be an ideal target. The Brazilian’s £43m release clause should also be attainable, making him the right fit to begin the club’s defensive overhaul in the summer.