Everton’s €80m centre‑back tempts United as Real and Atletico linger
Jarrad Paul Branthwaite, the 24‑year‑old Everton centre‑back valued at €80 million, is being watched by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid while Manchester United prepares a stronger offer, yet the Spanish clubs have not yet made contact.
Both Real and Atletico keep a close eye on the British defender from the Metropolitano and the Bernabéu, but Deportivo coverage notes they have not approached the player directly.
Spanish giants monitor the defender
Real Madrid remains active in the winter market despite Ibrahima Konaté’s free arrival, with Mourinho insisting on another centre‑back to replace the uncertain Raúl Asencio. The club’s primary target is Alessandro Bastoni, whose Inter price of around €70 million proved too high, while Nico Schlotterbeck of Dortmund, valued at over €55 million, also features on their agenda.
Manchester United prepares a higher offer
Manchester United has chased Branthwaite for some time and could launch an offensive bid in the coming weeks. In 2024 the club submitted two proposals to Everton, the larger worth €52 million, both rejected as the Toffees demand a figure that equals or exceeds €80 million.
From Old Trafford United may now present a superior offer, with assistant manager Michael Carrick eyeing Branthwaite as a backup for Harry Maguire and a partner for Lisandro Martínez in the defence.
Standing at 1.95 metres, the left‑footed defender combines physical power with unusual speed for his size, dominating aerial duels and moving the ball with notable mobility.
Branthwaite began his career at Carlisle United, moved to Hill Dickinson in 2020 and spent loan spells at PSV and Blackburn, winning two titles. His breakthrough season in 2023/24 saw him play 35 Premier League matches and score three goals, bringing his total to 85 appearances for the blue club.
He is contracted to Everton until June 2030, giving the club a long‑term hold on the player despite external interest.
The contrast between the Spanish clubs’ patient monitoring and United’s imminent bid highlights the €80 million price tag’s impact on the transfer market.