Brann have completed a double defensive reinforcement with the signings of Leo Cornic and Neraysho Kasanwirjo. At the same time, right-back Denzel De Roeve has been sold to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, according to a report from fvn.no this week.
Sporting director Per-Ove Ludvigsen has acted to strengthen a squad currently sitting sixth in the Eliteserien with 25 points. The team recently secured an important 3-2 victory over Rosenborg and has a crucial home match against Lillestrøm scheduled for September 5th. With 36 goals scored and 27 conceded, Brann have a positive goal difference of +9, but remain 16 points behind league leaders Bodø/Glimt.
Who are Brann's new players?
Leo Cornic arrives in Bergen from Tromsø, who finished ahead of Brann in the table last season. The 25-year-old has signed a contract running until the end of the 2030 season. Cornic has previous experience from several Norwegian top clubs, including Vålerenga, Grorud and Rosenborg, as well as a spell at Swedish side Djurgården. For Tromsø, he made 47 appearances and scored eight goals.
"It feels incredible. It's a big club, and I'm looking forward to it," Cornic said about the move.
The other new face is Dutch defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo. He joins from Feyenoord and has signed a long-term deal with Brann. Kasanwirjo has spent recent years on loan at several clubs, including Molde. His arrival is intended to further strengthen the defensive line.
Why did Denzel De Roeve leave?
Denzel De Roeve has accepted an offer from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise. The right-back joined Brann from Club Brugge ahead of the 2025 season. In his first year in Norway, he contributed four goals and three assists in 49 matches. During this current season, he has scored one goal and provided two assists in twelve appearances.
"It was a really big step for me early in my career, and I can look back on the happiest time of my life in football," De Roeve stated about his time at Brann.
Union Saint-Gilloise currently sit in seventh place in the Belgian league after two games played. The club has been a top performer in the domestic league in recent seasons but was recently eliminated from Champions League qualification by Bodø/Glimt. They will play in the Europa League this autumn.
How does this affect Brann's squad?
With these changes, Brann's sporting management has executed a significant reshuffle in the defensive department. The loss of an established profile like De Roeve is immediately met with the acquisition of two new players with different backgrounds and experience. Cornic adds Eliteserien insight and a good scoring threat from defence, while Kasanwirjo brings experience from Dutch football.
These movements occur as Brann fight to establish themselves in the upper part of the table. The team's recent form over the last five matches shows three wins and two losses. To follow the development of the player squad, fans can check the updated squad list.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
The transfer window activity shows Brann addressing a weakness while capitalising on a player with market value. The introduction of Cornic and Kasanwirjo gives coach Eirik Horneland more options at the back. With an important match against Lillestrøm just around the corner, integrating the new players will be key.
Brann's aim to close the gap to the top places in the standings requires consistent performances. The new reinforcements are seen as part of this solution. The club's offensive strength, seen in 36 goals scored, must be combined with a tighter defence to secure points in the remaining matches. The upcoming fixtures can be tracked on the fixtures page.
