Juventus fans received a jolt this week as news broke that their defensive linchpin, Gleison Bremer, will be sidelined for a significant period following knee surgery—a development that could reshape the club’s fortunes as they navigate a challenging Serie A campaign and look ahead to the January transfer window.
On the morning of October 14, 2025, Bremer underwent arthroscopic selective meniscectomy surgery on the medial meniscus of his left knee at the Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz in Lyon. The procedure, performed by Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet with Juventus’ team doctor Dr. Paolo Cavallo present, was described as successful. Yet, the optimism in the operating room stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty swirling around the club’s defensive prospects for the months ahead.
The injury is especially concerning given Bremer’s medical history: it’s the same knee where he suffered a devastating ACL tear just last year, an injury that forced him to miss 45 matches across all competitions. For Juventus, who have already endured a string of five consecutive draws in all competitions leading into the October international break, losing their best defender is more than just a setback—it’s a potential crisis.
Officially, Juventus have not provided a specific timetable for Bremer’s return to the pitch. The club’s statement confirmed the surgery’s success and indicated that the Brazilian would begin rehabilitation in the coming days, but stopped short of offering a projected comeback date. This lack of clarity has left fans and pundits alike speculating about how long the Bianconeri will have to cope without their defensive stalwart.
Medical experts have weighed in, offering their own estimates based on the nature of the surgery and Bremer’s injury history. Fabrizio Tencone, Juventus’ former team doctor and now Director of the Isokinetic Medical Center in Turin, told ilbianconero.com, “If, as stated in Juventus’ official statement, a meniscectomy is indeed the procedure (basically, they go in and remove the broken piece, without stitching), the wait is at least a month to a month and a half. In this case, it’s easy to imagine they’ll probably take a little longer, given that the knee has already been operated on.”
In practical terms, this means Bremer could be sidelined for up to two months—or even longer if the club opts for a cautious approach. Juventus are reportedly determined not to rush the recovery, mindful of the risks associated with back-to-back surgeries on the same knee within a 12-month window. The return date, sources suggest, will hinge not just on medical clearance but also on how Bremer feels as he ramps up his recovery—a process that could see him out until 2026 and potentially missing the 2026 World Cup.
The ramifications for Juventus are significant. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities have already been exposed in recent matches, and Bremer’s absence has coincided with a noticeable dip in form. The Bianconeri, who started their Serie A campaign with three straight wins, have since drawn their last four matches, raising questions about their depth and resilience at the back.
In response, Juventus are actively exploring the transfer market for reinforcements ahead of the January 2026 window. Club executives have reportedly compiled a shortlist of potential targets across Europe, with an emphasis on experience and reliability. Among the names under consideration are veteran defenders Kim Min-Jae of Bayern Munich and Milan Skriniar, also of Bayern but not a regular starter. Both command hefty salaries—around €9 million annually—but Skriniar could be more attainable, given his limited role in Munich.
The search doesn’t end there. Juventus are also considering a tactical reshuffle that would see Pierre Kalulu move permanently into the back line, provided they can strengthen the wing. Nahuel Molina, who turned down a loan move to Turin in the summer and has struggled for regular minutes at his current club, remains on the radar. Brooke Norton-Cuffy is another prospect admired by Juventus, though prying him away from Genoa could prove difficult.
The club’s ambitions extend beyond Italy’s borders. According to reports, Juventus are monitoring several high-profile defenders, including Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur—a player with previous ties to the club but who recently signed a four-year extension in North London. Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta, a 21-year-old with over 100 Serie A appearances and a Europa League winner’s medal, is another target, though prying him away from a domestic rival would be no small feat.
Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo also features on the shortlist. Juventus were linked with the Uruguayan in the summer, and his recent benching for a Champions League fixture has only fueled speculation. However, Barcelona’s reported €65 million valuation could be a stumbling block. Meanwhile, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, captain and England international, is attracting attention with his contract set to expire in June 2026—potentially making him a free agent next summer.
Despite the urgency surrounding defensive reinforcements, Juventus did receive a sliver of good news: midfielder Fabio Miretti has returned from injury and could feature before October draws to a close. Still, as observers have noted, Miretti’s return won’t fill the gaping hole left by Bremer’s absence.
As the club weighs its options, the pressure is mounting on manager Igor Tudor and the front office. Their decision not to sign another center-back in the summer—a gamble based on optimism and perhaps budget constraints—now looks increasingly risky. Joao Mario, deployed on the flank, has yet to convince, and the club’s defensive depth is being put to the test.
Juventus’ transfer strategy in the coming months will be shaped not just by the need for a quick fix but by a desire to find a long-term partner for their back line. As one editorial put it, “They should sign an experienced and reliable lefty who would slot next to their stalwart eventually. Their budget is a big question mark.”
With Bremer’s recovery timeline uncertain and the club’s defensive fortunes hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Turin as the January window approaches. Will the Bianconeri find the right reinforcement to steady the ship, or will their season be defined by the absence of their defensive anchor? For now, the wait—and the speculation—continues as Juventus look to navigate one of their toughest challenges in recent memory.
