In the latest development coming out of Manchester United, it has been reported that the club will continue to keep a close eye on Jarrad Branthwaite’s situation at Everton as we head into 2025. The Red Devils were eager to secure the services of the 22-year-old defender in the summer transfer window, but their attempts fell short with two unsuccessful bids, the last one being in the region of £45m plus add-ons.
Branthwaite has seen his stock rise significantly ever since he made his breakthrough into the Everton first team last season and became a key player under the management of Sean Dyche. Standing tall at 6ft 5in, the young centre-back featured in 41 matches for the Toffees across all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign, with 35 appearances in the Premier League alone. His contributions played a crucial role in helping Everton avoid relegation and finish in 15th place.
Despite receiving recognition from England for his performances, Branthwaite has yet to feature for Everton in the current season due to injury. Dyche’s side has struggled, losing all three of their opening Premier League fixtures and conceding 10 goals in the process.
Everton are intent on holding onto Branthwaite for the long haul, with the youngster tied down to a contract at Goodison Park until 2027. However, The Liverpool Echo suggests that Everton are bracing themselves for continued interest in Branthwaite from persistent suitors Manchester United.
Even though United made significant defensive signings in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt from Lille and Bayern Munich respectively over the summer, they are reportedly looking to bolster their defensive options further next summer. The Red Devils will reportedly keep tabs on Branthwaite throughout the season as he remains a player of interest, but Everton will not let go of their star defender easily.
It is believed that Everton value Branthwaite at around £80m, the same figure United paid to bring in Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019. The Toffees are prepared to stand firm on their valuation, especially with reported interest from rival club Liverpool also in the mix.
Looking ahead to the future, Manchester United made a splash in the transfer market this summer by spending approximately £180m on five new signings. Alongside Yoro and De Ligt, United welcomed Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte to Old Trafford.
However, reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the United hierarchy are eyeing four high-profile targets as part of an ambitious transfer plan for the upcoming summer window. Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze is said to be on United’s radar, with competition from the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.
Additionally, United are looking to reinforce their midfield and left-back positions, with Antonee Robinson from Fulham, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and Bradley Locko from Brest among the defensive targets being considered. It promises to be an exciting period for Manchester United in the transfer market as they look to continue strengthening their squad for the challenges ahead.