Manchester United’s pursuit of Everton’s highly-rated centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite may gather steam, as Everton reportedly cannot afford to offer the England international a new contract.
With United likely transitioning to a three-at-the-back system under Ruben Amorim, this potential opening could set the stage for one of the transfer market’s big moves in 2025.
United showed significant interest in signing him last summer to reinforce their defensive options, with then-manager Erik ten Hag keen to bring in fresh talent to strengthen United’s backline.
However, the move didn’t materialise, and Ten Hag and United’s recruitment team turned to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead.
Despite their current depth, which also includes Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof, United remain interested in Branthwaite.
His age, physicality, and experience in England make him an attractive option for a club aiming to build a three-centre-back system under newly appointed Amorim.
Branthwaite was clearly DESPERATE for the move to Manchester United in the summer & now Everton have been benching him because he won't pen another contract they want him to sign, to heighten their selling power in transfer negotiations.
— Ronaldo Brown (@ronaldobrown_98) November 7, 2024
Everton’s Financial Dilemma Could Force Branthwaite Sale
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Everton may face a financial squeeze that could prevent them from securing Branthwaite with a new contract.
While the 22-year-old remains under contract until 2027, the Toffees may be compelled to sell if they cannot afford to improve his terms in line with his performance and market value.
Everton, who would rather retain Branthwaite, may still entertain offers if the price is right, which would allow them to make the most of his rising market value.
Manager Sean Dyche has admitted as much when pressed about the possibility of Branthwaite leaving in January. “If someone offers enough money, then they go,” Dyche said. “Alex Iwobi was like that a day or so before the deadline [in summer 2023].
“I didn’t want to lose Alex, but they said, ‘Look, this is a deal we’ve got to do. I said ‘ok’ and that’s the way it goes, so therefore I better mould it towards the next lot of players and how many I can get in and use.
“If the number’s right, the player gets sold; if the number isn’t right, they don’t.”
Branthwaite’s valuation is estimated at £70 million, a figure that reflects his potential and the value of established defenders in the current market.
United, however, would need to weigh up the cost of such an acquisition, given that their recent spending has already been significant.
