Manchester United are reportedly ready to dig deep into their transfer budget this summer, with the club willing to pay upwards of £50 million to sign Everton’s highly-rated centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. The 22-year-old England international has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and it seems the club is determined to finally bring him to Old Trafford in the upcoming transfer window.
According to sources close to the club, United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, has identified Branthwaite as a cornerstone of his defensive rebuild. Having taken over the reins late last year, Amorim is keen to bolster his backline with a player who fits his tactical vision—particularly one who can excel in a back-three system. Branthwaite, with his commanding presence, pace, and ability to play out from the back, ticks all the boxes.
The interest in Branthwaite is nothing new. Last summer, Manchester United saw two bids rejected by Everton, the highest of which reached £50 million including add-ons. Everton, however, held firm, valuing their star defender at £70 million and refusing to budge unless their asking price was met. With the Toffees now under new ownership following the Friedkin Group’s £500 million takeover in December 2024, their financial position has strengthened, potentially allowing them to demand an even higher fee this time around.
Despite the steep price tag, United appear undeterred. Reports suggest the club is prepared to exceed their previous offer, with figures speculated to be in the region of £60-70 million, depending on negotiations. This willingness to spend comes despite the club’s well-documented need to balance the books, with significant transfer debts still looming—£200 million of the £390.8 million owed to other clubs is due in 2025 alone.
Branthwaite’s standout performances for Everton this season have only heightened interest from top clubs. Alongside Manchester United, rivals Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with the towering defender, while Real Madrid have reportedly scouted him in recent months. However, United’s persistence could give them the edge, especially as personal terms were reportedly agreed with the player last summer, including a lucrative £160,000-a-week wage package that Everton have yet to match.
Everton manager David Moyes, who previously coached at United, issued a stern warning earlier this year: “Jarrad is a top player, and if people want to buy Jarrad, I’ve said many times—bring a big bag of money.” With Everton’s improved financial stability, Moyes has hinted that the club could even raise their valuation beyond the £70 million mark, making this a potentially record-breaking deal for a Premier League defender.
For Manchester United, the pursuit of Branthwaite signals a clear intent to address defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued the team in recent seasons. While the club invested in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt last summer, Amorim sees Branthwaite as the ideal long-term partner for Yoro, blending youth and experience at the heart of his defense.