Liverpool favourites to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign £52m star

Liverpool Eye Gleison Bremer as Real Madrid Step Away

Real Madrid’s decision to walk away from a potential deal for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has opened the door for Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s side now seen as one of the favourites to secure his services, according to TeamTalk. The Spanish giants admire the Brazilian but are unwilling to pay the £52m price tag, leaving English clubs, particularly Liverpool, as serious contenders.

Bremer Valued but Madrid Exit the Race

Real Madrid’s scouting department has long tracked Bremer, with chief scout Juni Calafat impressed by the 28-year-old’s blend of “strong attacking style and good ball handling.” Despite this admiration, reports in Spain claim Madrid have said “goodbye” to the possibility of a deal, citing the cost. At €60m, the club consider him too expensive given his age.

Juventus boss Igor Tudor underlined Bremer’s qualities earlier this season, telling DAZN: “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.”

Photo: IMAGO

With Madrid unwilling to invest, clubs in England including Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly evaluating the prospect of meeting Juventus’s demands.

Liverpool’s Long-Standing Interest

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bremer is not new. As reported by TeamTalk’s Rudy Galetti, the Reds “came close” to signing him in the summer of 2024, underlining their longstanding admiration. That persistence is now seen as an advantage, with Bremer still high on Liverpool’s list according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Brazilian is contracted to Juventus until 2029, making him a secure asset for the Serie A club, but his form and consistency continue to attract elite interest. Liverpool’s search for a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk adds weight to their interest, particularly with Ibrahima Konaté potentially leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Slot’s Winning Pull

Liverpool’s appeal extends beyond finances. Under Arne Slot, the Reds are reigning Premier League champions and strong contenders in Europe, offering Bremer the chance to slot into a side that is already competing for major trophies. At 28, he is at the peak of his career, and the opportunity to anchor a defence at Anfield could prove too tempting to resist.

The urgency at Liverpool is clear. Konaté’s contract situation and the need for stability in central defence underline why Bremer has become such a priority. With Giovanni Leoni also due to leave at the end of the campaign, the recruitment of a proven, physically commanding centre-back has become critical.

Competitive Market

Manchester United and Chelsea continue to monitor Bremer, but Liverpool’s track record of integrating defenders into a winning system may give them an edge. The club’s combination of competitive wages, silverware, and Champions League football positions them ahead of their domestic rivals.

If Juventus are prepared to sell, Bremer’s next move looks increasingly likely to be in the Premier League, and Liverpool are arguably the best-placed destination.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This report will only fuel speculation that the club are ready to make a decisive move in 2026. Bremer has the profile many Reds fans have been calling for: aggressive in duels, composed on the ball, and a leader who can replace some of Virgil van Dijk’s influence as he approaches the latter years of his career.

Arne Slot has already shown he can refresh the squad without losing competitiveness, and signing Bremer would align with that strategy. The concern among supporters, however, is whether FSG will be willing to sanction a €60m transfer fee for a 28-year-old, particularly given their cautious spending habits in past windows.

Fans may also note that Manchester United and Chelsea are circling, but Liverpool’s recent success and Champions League prospects could make Anfield a more natural fit. As one fan might put it: “Bremer is the type of signing that tells the rest of Europe Liverpool are building for the next five years, not just patching holes.”

Ultimately, this feels like a transfer that ticks every box in terms of need, profile, and ambition. If the deal materialises, it could be one of the most significant defensive signings since Van Dijk himself.