Manchester United is reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the services of Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite during the upcoming summer transfer window. The initiative follows Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority stake in the 20-time English champions, prompting strategic planning for the forthcoming transfer activities.
Anticipating potential departures, the newly appointed co-owner of Manchester United is directing attention towards reinforcing areas of the team requiring enhancement, notably the center of defense. With Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans poised to depart upon the expiry of their contracts, compounded by concerns surrounding Lisandro Martinez’s injury woes, there is a recognized urgency to fortify the defensive line.
According to a report by inews, Manchester United is strategically poised to augment its defensive capabilities with the acquisition of two central defenders ahead of the 2024-25 season. The report suggests that the club is contemplating moves for Brazilian international Gleison Bremer and Everton academy graduate Jarrad Branthwaite.
Gleison Bremer, since his transfer from Torino to Juventus in the summer of 2022, has amassed 71 competitive appearances for the club. The 26-year-old’s commitment to Juventus was recently underscored by a contract extension until June 2028, albeit featuring a €50 million (£42.8 million) release clause, potentially rendering him an accessible option for Manchester United. However, competition for his signature is fierce, with Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur also expressing interest. Juventus, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Bremer’s future, has reportedly earmarked Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori as a potential replacement.
In addition to pursuing Bremer, Manchester United has expressed admiration for Jarrad Branthwaite, impressed by his performances throughout the current season. Branthwaite’s loan spell with PSV Eindhoven last season further augmented his development, culminating in a prominent role within the Everton squad, featuring in 25 of the club’s 28 Premier League fixtures. Despite Branthwaite’s contract extending until 2027 and Everton’s reluctance to part ways with the promising defender, Manchester United’s interest persists, although negotiations may hinge on bridging the disparity between Everton’s valuation of £75 million and Manchester United’s preference closer to £50 million.