Juventus Director's Mockery Spurs United's Transfer Surge

Juventus sporting director’s mockery has ignited Manchester United’s active involvement in the summer transfer market. Throughout the season, Erik ten Hag grappled with defensive challenges as injuries wreaked havoc on United’s back line, prompting the need for various centre-half partnerships and back four combinations. Following his recovery, Lisandro Martinez, the first-choice central defender, has returned, while World Cup winner Raphael Varane will depart Old Trafford this summer after three years.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof both endured spells on the sidelines this campaign, raising doubts about their long-term futures at Old Trafford. Despite being realistically the fifth-choice centre-half, veteran Jonny Evans, who rejoined United last summer on a free transfer, frequently featured due to injuries to others. Additionally, holding midfielder Casemiro and youngster Willy Kambwala were pressed into service in the heart of United’s defence due to the shortage of fit personnel throughout the campaign.

With Varane’s impending departure and uncertainties surrounding Maguire, Lindelof and Evans, United must reinforce their central defence to narrow the gap to the top of the Premier League. Among their targets, according to Italian publication La Gazetta Dello Sport, is Juventus defender Gleison Bremer. The 27 yeras old Brazil international with eight goals in 82 games for La Vecchia Signora since joining the club in 2022, recently clinched the Coppa Italia as Juventus overcame Atalanta.

The Juventus sporting director has now deemed Bremer “untouchable,” stating that only an offer of €100 million (£86m) would tempt the Italian side to sell. Expressing confidence in Bremer’s retention, he cited Juventus’s participation in the Champions League and Club World Cup. The outcome of United’s Premier League finish or a victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend will determine their qualification for European competition next season.