AC Milan have already been linked with an abundance of players despite the fact that the summer transfer market is in its infancy, and one of the hottest topics is regarding the centre-back role.
Just as it was during the January mercato when nobody ended up arriving to fill the void left by Simon Kjaer’s long-term injury, it seems to be a battle between two players to become the Rossoneri’s latest rearguard recruit: Sven Botman of Lille and Gleison Bremer of Torino.
For the last few weeks and even months it has appeared as though Botman would be making his way over to Italy for medicals and the signing of his contract ahead of joining Milan, however the inclusion of fresh competition from the Premier League has complicated things.
Subsequently, the idea of Bremer being an alternative target has emerged from several reliable sources, provoking a mixed reaction among the fan base. However, it might not be such a bad thing.
We must first of all operate under the assumption that Botman is indeed Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara’s first choice and has been since the winter, however he may become unattainable due to the fact that English clubs – especially Newcastle United – have much greater spending power at present.
It is likely therefore that they will try until the end to sign the Dutchman, but as any competent directors would they must have alternatives lined up who they are ready to pounce on if no progress is made.
There are reasons to be very calm and content if Milan do decide to fully turn to the Brazilian. Of course there is plenty working in favour of the Lille man such as the fact he has Champions League experience, he is four years younger, he has won a domestic league title and already has a relationship with Mike Maignan, but there are factors that point to Bremer being a very suitable candidate.
Experience
First of all, the 25-year-old is closing in on 100 league appearances for Torino (he is currently on 98) which shows that he is a centre-back who knows the league very well, compared to Botman who has played at Ajax and now Lille.
While Milan have had plenty of success with recruits from abroad and particular Ligue 1 (see Leao, Kalulu and Maignan), there is also an advantage to going for a player who has already adapted to his surroundings and the style of Serie A.
The Rossoneri have come up against Bremer multiple times and he is a very tough customer. Olivier Giroud was influential in the Scudetto win scoring in many big games, and even he labelled the former Atletico Miniero man as a ‘great defender’ after their battle. He was also voted the best defender in Serie A for 2021-22.
In addition to that, there is another ‘domestic’ element to consider: signing Bremer would remove Inter’s top defensive target from the market, forcing them to change strategy at a time where there is a lot of confusion surrounding their financial sitaution.
Cost
There is also an economic factor to be examined when comparing the two targets. With the arrival of Newcastle and possibly other English clubs onto the scene, Botman will probably cost in the region of €35-40m.
It would of course be a statement investment if Milan did decide to pay the asking price and satisfy the player’s dream of wearing the Rossoneri shirt, yet at the same time it would obviously eat up a larger chunk of the available summer budget.
Bremer’s reported asking price is around €25m as per sources like MilanNews. Not only is that at least €10m cheaper than Botman would probably cost, but there is also the possibility that he accepts a lower salary which could offset not having the Growth Decree tax relief scheme that the Lille man would enjoy.
Moreover, Bremer’s price could be lowered with counterparts who are no longer deemed essential to the project, with names like Tommaso Pobega (although he seems destined to stay), Rade Krunic and Matteo Gabbia springing to mind.
Even a preferential lane for loans like Lorenzo Colombo and Marko Lazetic could help engineer a cheaper deal on the cash sum side of things for the Diavolo, saving money to spend elsewhere and to reinforce the attack.
Characteristics
Our writer Rajath Kumar did an excellent analysis back in January on whether Botman would actually be a good fit for Milan and their new way of playing under Pioli, one that has become gradually more aggressive and proactive starting from the back.
There is actually data to suggest that Bremer is a player more natural and conducive to playing a high line as Milan have done with the Tomori-Kalulu pairing, which facilitates the entire pressing mechanism that worked so well in the title win.
Comparing the stats of the pair in their respective 2021-22 league campaigns (via WhoScored), Bremer comes out on top in tackles per 90 mins (1.5 to 1) and interceptions (3.2 to 1), which tends to suggest he is a more proactive defender.
Botman on the other hand made more clearances (4.5 to 4) and blocks (0.8 to 0.7) though there is not as big a margin in these categories, and they indicate more of a ‘wait and cover’ approach to the centre-back role.
It does seem that Botman is a better passer of the ball as he averages more passes per game (60.7 to 40.3) and a higher percentage completion (88.1% to 81.6%) compared to Bremer, as well as more long balls (4.1 to 2.6).
Milan already have good ball-playing defenders though, and while having more is never a bad thing it must be recalled how often the centre-backs split in Pioli’s system to allow a midfielder to drop deep and distribute, so it is arguably not essential.
Neither are particularly rapid when it comes to recovery pace unlike Tomori and Kalulu, though Bremer does hold a clear edge in top speed and acceleration, something which may be going through Pioli’s head.
One thing is for sure: if Milan end up with either of the duo they will have signed a fantastic defender with all the tools to succeed at a club like Milan. Sometimes missing out on a top target is not the end of the world – after all, we learned that when Tomori appeared after Simakan vanished.
just promote Kalulu ffs. No need to spend whole 25 on a defender after kalulu’s upcomin last season.
Rather buy a separate CAM AND RW. not a single player who plays both.
CAM- De Ketelaere
RW- Not Zaniolo. Berardi/Anthony/Asensio all acceptable
God bless you my brother, De Ketelaere and Anthony we’re good to go for another league win.
You cannot defend your Serie A title and be competitive in the Champions League with only Tomori-Kalulu…..It’s like shooting yourself in the leg.
Kjaer is going towards his 34th year and we have no idea in what kind of condition he would be after such a serious injury. Romagnioli thankfully is out of the picture and Gabbia doesn’t seem a Top quality defender.
Next season’s games are far too many for us not buying a top quality defender…Keep in mind that we have the World Cup this year too…And unfortunately Milan has a bad tradition when it comes to injuries
Aight, so let’s break it down for the umpteenth time. Milan have about 100m to spend (supposedly). They’re looking to buy a CB, CM, RW, AMC and Striker. Technically they already have an ST in Origi, so that’s checked off. Then they’re close to Sanches for CM at 18m. So that’s 82m left. Rumor have it that they’re closing in on CDK for 30m, so that’s 52m left. CDK will probably play as AMC and sometimes ST, with Sanches moving up to AMC (and Adli). Botman seems to be moving into a higher price bracket, so let’s say it’s Bremer at 25m (maybe 30), so that’s at most 27m left. 27m is NOT enough for Antony or Berardi, so that leaves Lang and Politano (who is now being mentioned too). My guess is that if it’s true and it’s down to Lang v. Politano that it will be Politano because ultimately he will probably cost 18-20m (less than the 22-25m for Lang) and he will go towards the UEFA list. So at 20m for Politano it leaves 7m. 3m for Florenzi and there is now 4m left. This will probably just go into the bank as they don’t need to spend every penny.
So:
Origi – free
CDK – 30m
Sanches – 18m
Bremer – 25m
Politano – 20m
Florenzi – 3m
Total Spend – 96m
That’s the summer market.
Forgot about Antony, asking price is around 70 mil and Man Unt are after him
Great analysis! Good work. I wish this type of posts would be more frequent
Yeah I’d rather buy one of the young Italian defenders from smaller clubs that seemed like good talents and with the current defenders we have it would be ok. But if we have funds to buy all the positions why not, which I don’t really think we have. Hopefully they will pull some talent out of the hat and manage everything with that budget.
Brilliant article. Verrrry valid points for Bremer. Either would do well in Milan. It would be interesting how this will end
Either would be fine, Botman had a higher ceiling where Bremer might be the perfect backup/league cb. I also wouldn’t be too disappointed if Milan missed out on both. Sign a young cb, roll with Tomori, kalulu, kjaer and gabbia and if that doesn’t work go for a cb in January. Use the money to make a real push to get Asensio!