Manchester United Plot £50m Swoop for Everton Star Jarrad Branthwaite Amid Defensive Overhaul
Manchester United are reportedly rekindling their pursuit of Everton’s highly-rated centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite with a fresh £50 million offer this summer, as new manager Ruben Amorim aims to reshape the Red Devils’ faltering defence. The move is expected to intensify an already complicated transfer saga involving multiple European giants and could signal a significant shift for United ahead of the coming season.
Branthwaite, 22, emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout defensive talents last season with commanding displays at the heart of Everton’s backline. His breakout year attracted the attention of several elite clubs including Manchester United, who reportedly saw their initial bids turned down last summer after Everton priced them out of a move. Despite those setbacks — and the subsequent acquisitions of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt — Old Trafford’s hierarchy have retained him as a priority target.
Sources close to the club indicate United’s renewed interest is partly driven by Amorim’s tactical preferences. The Portuguese coach favours a 3-4-3 formation and has raised internal concerns regarding the injury record of Lisandro Martinez, while exits loom for Victor Lindelof and veteran Jonny Evans. That leaves space for another top-tier defender — with Amorim said to be pushing for reinforcements, including potentially reuniting with his former Sporting CP protégé Goncalo Inacio, though Branthwaite remains the prime focus.
On paper, United’s pursuit is logical: Branthwaite has earned comparisons with some of England’s best young centre-halves and received plaudits from pundits such as Gary Lineker, who described him as “special” for his composure and physicality. With 69 Premier League appearances under his belt and recent England Under-21 captaincy duties, he brings both experience and potential at a relatively tender age. His boyhood club Carlisle United, where he made his senior breakthrough aged just 17, also stand to gain financially via a sell-on clause from any big-money transfer.
Yet this potential deal is far from straightforward. Everton, about to move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, are reportedly eager to retain their prized asset, citing valuations well above United’s mooted £50 million bid. Meanwhile, Merseyside rivals Liverpool and continental powerhouses Real Madrid keep close tabs, further fuelling speculation. Crucially, Everton might prefer to sell abroad rather than strength another Premier League club — adding a layer of complexity to United’s negotiations.
The timing plays into the story as well. After a disappointing campaign on Merseyside, Branthwaite might be tempted by European football and greater ambitions, especially if omissions from England’s senior squad persist. Reports suggest his international snubs have made him reflect on his future, potentially increasing United’s chances if they move decisively. Amorim’s arrival also signals a changing of the guard, and securing young, high-quality defenders could form the foundation for a new era at Old Trafford.
Fans of Everton may begrudge losing such a talent but may well have anticipated this saga, while Manchester United supporters will hope their club can finally close a deal for a player viewed as a cornerstone for years to come. With the transfer window fast approaching, the race for Jarrad Branthwaite promises to be one of the summer’s most closely watched stories.
As speculation intensifies and negotiations unfold, only time will tell whether United’s new direction under Amorim begins with this ambitious statement signing or if the lure of other suitors prevails. What’s your take on Branthwaite’s future? Does he fit into United’s rebuild plans, or is the fee too steep? Share your views below.
