Liverpool’s bold plan for Serie A star defender

Liverpool’s transfer window is heating up, with the club targeting Juventus defender Gleison Bremer as their top priority. This news, confirmed by Samuel Bannister on TEAMtalk, indicates that new Liverpool boss Arne Slot is looking to strengthen his defensive options following the departure of Joel Matip.

Bremer has consistently impressed since his move to Juventus from Turin in 2022, making 83 appearances and earning a place in the Serie A team of the year for three consecutive seasons. His solid performances have not gone unnoticed and Liverpool’s interest is a testament to his abilities.

Juventus, however, are keen to keep hold of Bremer, who is under contract until 2028. Despite his release clause not becoming active until next summer, Liverpool are prepared to make a substantial bid to secure his services now .

Potential impact on Liverpool’s defence

If Liverpool manage to sign Bremer, he is likely to become one of the club’s most expensive defenders, potentially surpassing Ibrahima Konate’s £36m fee from 2021. Bremer could even take Konate’s place in the Liverpool’s starting lineup, forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk. .

With Van Dijk entering the final year of his contract and Liverpool setting a high price for their captain, Bremer’s arrival could mark a significant change in the club’s defensive strategy. As Bannister notes, “Bremer would likely beat Ibrahima Konate’s £36m fee from 2021 and could take the Frenchman’s place in the team’s strongest line-up as well.”

Alternatives on the radar

While Bremer is Liverpool’s main target, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has also been considered. Liverpool are confident Guehi would be interested in joining them, adding another layer of intrigue to their transfer plans.

At 27, Bremer is in his prime, as was Van Dijk when he joined Liverpool. This potential signing highlights Liverpool’s strategy of combining experienced defenders with emerging talent to maintain their defensive solidity.

As Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes continue to assess the squad, Liverpool fans are anxiously awaiting their first senior signing of the summer. With Bremer at the top of their roster, the Reds could be in for a significant defensive upgrade.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited about the potential signing of Gleison Bremer. His consistent performances in Serie A, coupled with his impressive physical presence and defensive acumen, make him the ideal candidate to bolster Liverpool’s back line. Bremer’s ability to read the game, along with his strong tackling and aerial prowess, would add much-needed depth and reliability to the defense.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bremer also signals the club’s intention to remain competitive at the highest level. The prospect of Bremer pairing up with Van Dijk is tantalizing, offering a mix of experience, strength and tactical intelligence that could restore Liverpool’s defensive dominance.

The fact that Liverpool are willing to test Juventus’ resolve with a significant bid demonstrates their commitment to securing top talent. Bremer’s arrival could be a game-changer, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk’s future.

Furthermore, considering Marc Guehi as an alternative shows Liverpool’s strategic approach to building a robust defence. Guehi’s potential move reflects Liverpool’s foresight in planning for the future while addressing immediate needs.

As the only Premier League club yet to make a senior signing this summer, Liverpool fans are understandably worried. However, the potential acquisition of Bremer could be worth the wait, signaling a new era of defensive stability under Arne Slot.

All in all, Liverpool’s pursuit of Bremer is a bold and exciting move that promises to boost the team’s defensive capabilities and set the stage for a successful season.

Statistical analysis by EPL index

Gleison Bremer’s performance data over the last 365 days paints a compelling picture of a centre-back at the top of his game. The data, obtained from Fbref, highlights his outstanding skills in various defensive and possession metrics, underlining why he is a top target for Liverpool.

Defensive strengths

Bremer’s defensive prowess is immediately apparent from his stats. He ranks in the 84th percentile for aerials won, showing his dominance in aerial duels. This is complemented by his high rankings in tackles and interceptions (72nd percentile) and blocks (58th percentile). His clearances also scored well in the 55th percentile, indicating his reliability in defensive situations. These statistics collectively affirm his reputation as a robust and commanding presence at the back.

Possession game

In terms of possession, Bremer shows mixed results. His pass completion percentage is moderately strong in the 70th percentile, reflecting his ability to hold possession under pressure. However, his progressive passes (47th percentile) and his progressive carries (11th percentile) suggest that while he is competent, he is not a primary playmaker from the back. This balance implies that Bremer is reliable in maintaining and distributing possession, but does not frequently commit to advancing play.

Attack contributions

Although primarily a defender, Bremer’s offensive contributions are noteworthy. He ranks in the 45th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 33rd percentile for assists, indicating a knack for contributing to offensive plays. xAG (expected assists) and npxG (expected non-penalty goals) are also respectable, suggesting he can be a threat during set pieces or advanced plays.

Gleison Bremer’s performance data underlines his status as a top centre-back. His defensive values ​​combined with solid possession statistics and notable attacking contributions make him an invaluable asset to any top club. Liverpool’s interest in him is well-founded and his addition could significantly strengthen their defensive line-up.