Transfer rumors suggest Manchester United are plotting a huge defensive rebuild, with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite at the centre of their plans. The 24-year-old England international has been on United’s radar for years — and his return to form has put him back near the top of the list.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Credits: ESPN)
Man United Eye Branthwaite as Defensive Rebuild Takes Shape
According to the latest transfer reporting, United are considering significant changes at the back, with Branthwaite viewed as a leading target. The interest is not new: United have monitored the defender for more than two years, and Everton rejected offers of £35 million and £45 million for him in 2024.
What changed is fitness and form. Injury problems disrupted the pursuit after those rejected bids, but Branthwaite’s return to fitness and strong start to the 2026/27 season have put him firmly back in the conversation. Reports say United have also made fresh contact with the defender’s representatives this season.
Everton, however, are in a strong negotiating position. Branthwaite signed a new contract last year that runs until 2030, and reports suggest the club could demand around £80 million for him. That figure would make any deal one of the most expensive defensive moves in English football, and it reflects both his age and his importance to Everton.
Why Branthwaite Fits Man United’s Defence — and Who Else Is Linked
On the pitch, the fit is easy to see. Branthwaite is left-footed, physically imposing, quick across the ground and comfortable defending in space — qualities United are said to want as they seek greater authority and athleticism at centre-back, particularly if Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez are no longer seen as long-term answers.
At 24, he would also be a long-term addition rather than a short-term fix, which matters for a rebuild. Everton manager David Moyes has praised his displays this season, including his performance against Tottenham, calling him excellent and a really good player with far more to come.
United are not the only club linked with him. Reports also credit Liverpool with interest, while Manchester City, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been mentioned as admirers. That competition only strengthens Everton’s hand — and raises the price of any deal.
For now, this remains a rumor rather than a done deal, and fitness will be a key question: United would need confidence that his previous hamstring problems are behind him before committing close to £80 million. But the direction of travel is clear — United want a defensive rebuild, and Branthwaite is central to it.
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Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
