Liverpool ‘willing to pay’ £52m to sign Serie A star – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Ready to Pounce as Real Madrid Walk Away from Bremer Deal

Liverpool’s search for a new defensive leader appears to have taken an intriguing twist after TeamTalk revealed that Real Madrid have stepped aside in the race to sign Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer. Madrid’s reluctance to pay €60 million for the 28-year-old Brazilian has left the door wide open for Liverpool, whose interest in Bremer dates back more than a year.

Madrid’s decision stems largely from the club’s preference for younger centre-backs such as Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano, both potentially available as free agents next summer. That has left Bremer, once high on their shortlist, as a more realistic target for Premier League clubs.

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Bremer’s Price Tag and Madrid’s Stance

According to Defensa Central, Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat was an admirer of Bremer, reportedly impressed by the defender’s “strong attacking style and good ball handling”. However, the Spanish giants have effectively said “goodbye” to pursuing the Brazilian due to the €60 million (£52.4 million) valuation placed on him by Juventus.

Madrid’s unwillingness to invest heavily in a player approaching 30 means the race for Bremer’s signature is now likely to intensify in England. Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are all said to be “seriously evaluating the possibility of undertaking such an operation”, per TeamTalk’s report.

Juventus manager Igor Tudor added his own glowing assessment of the player in an interview with DAZN on 11 September:

“He’s incredibly important from every perspective – as a player, and as a leader this locker room needs.He’s a great guy, but then he becomes mean on the pitch. We have a good relationship, and he makes himself available.”

Liverpool’s Advantage in the Pursuit

What sets Liverpool apart is their long-standing interest. As TeamTalk’s Italian correspondent Rudy Galetti revealed, Liverpool “came close” to signing Bremer in the summer of 2024 and have continued to track his progress in Turin. Dean Jones also reported last month that Bremer remains “high on Liverpool’s list” as the Merseyside club look for a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

Arne Slot’s side, the reigning Premier League champions, are seeking to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2026 season. With Konate’s contract situation unresolved and Giovanni Leoni sidelined, Liverpool’s need for an experienced, high-quality centre-back has rarely felt more pressing.

Why Bremer Fits Liverpool’s Needs

At 28, Bremer is at the peak of his powers and has already demonstrated his leadership qualities in Serie A. Slot’s system prioritises defenders comfortable in possession yet aggressive in duels, qualities that align closely with Bremer’s strengths.

Liverpool’s domestic success under Slot and their pursuit of European silverware this season could make them an appealing destination. For Bremer, joining a team challenging for major honours might prove more tempting than projects at Manchester United or Chelsea, while Manchester City’s current defensive options arguably reduce their need for the Brazilian.

Transfer Battle Looms

Although Juventus will be reluctant to part ways with their star defender, the financial incentive of a €60 million transfer fee could sway them if Liverpool formalise their interest. With Madrid stepping aside, the Reds may sense that now is the time to strike.

Liverpool have demonstrated a proactive approach in the transfer market since Slot’s arrival, and their recruitment team appear poised to secure Bremer should the opportunity arise.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, this development feels like a pivotal moment in the club’s ongoing rebuild under Arne Slot. Having claimed the Premier League title in his debut season, Slot now faces the challenge of refreshing a squad that has delivered but also aged in key areas.

Virgil van Dijk remains a towering figure, yet the Dutchman cannot be expected to carry the back line indefinitely. Bremer offers not just experience but a personality described by Tudor as “mean on the pitch”, a trait that often separates good defenders from great ones. Fans might view Bremer as the type of authoritative centre-back who could partner Jarell Quansah or even step in for Konate if the Frenchman departs on a free transfer.

Some supporters will understandably question the €60 million price tag. Yet given the inflated market for top-level defenders, this figure feels justifiable for a player with Bremer’s pedigree and contract security at Juventus.

The key for Liverpool will be timing. If they move decisively in January or early summer, they may outmanoeuvre rivals before the market intensifies. For a club that has prided itself on smart recruitment, the pursuit of Bremer could be another statement of intent in the Slot era.