Everton are back in the market for a centre-back, and the name doing the rounds is Gustavo Martins. According to Hard Tackle, the 24-year-old Gremio defender is firmly on the radar ahead of the January transfer window, with Nottingham Forest also tracking the Brazilian.
This is the sort of move that makes sense on paper. Everton need defensive renewal, not cosmetic change. Jarrad Branthwaite continues to attract serious attention, and when a key defender is linked away, sensible clubs prepare early. On top of that, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane are both past 30. That does not mean they are finished, it means planning matters.
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Gustavo Martins Profile Fits Everton Need
Martins has built solid experience at Gremio since arriving in 2019, after developing at Vasco da Gama. He has already made 129 appearances for the Brazilian side and contributed 13 goals and two assists, which is a respectable return for a central defender. In a poor 2026 campaign for Gremio, he has still managed to stand out, featuring 40 times with four goals and two assists.
The report states that Gremio want around €12-15 million. In today’s market, that is not outrageous for a 24-year-old centre-back with senior experience, physical presence and room to improve. At 1.91m, he has the size Premier League clubs look for, and the wider appeal comes from his mobility. If the assessment is correct, he offers pace and agility as well as strength, which is what separates useful defenders from those who get exposed quickly in England.
Everton Transfer Strategy Looks Sensible
Everton have been linked with other defenders, including Vitao, and that tells you the recruitment team know exactly where the issue is. This is about succession planning and squad balance. A right-footed central defender who can grow into the role has obvious value.
Forest being in the mix is no surprise either. Good-value defenders at this age do not stay under the radar for long. The report adds that Martins is…
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