Man Utd Revive Jarrad Branthwaite Pursuit as Carrick Eyes Defensive Reinforcement
Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and are weighing up a potential swoop next summer, according to Football Insider. The 6ft 5in defender has impressed this season, putting him back on United's radar after previous failed bids.
- Player: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton centre-back)
- Interested club: Manchester United
- Stage: Monitoring ahead of potential summer approach
- Previous bids: Rejected by Everton under Erik ten Hag
- Contract: Four years remaining on a five-year deal signed July 2025
- Valuation: Likely to exceed Β£34m Transfermarkt estimate
Deal details
Manchester United have a long-standing interest in Jarrad Branthwaite and reportedly made a serious effort to sign him under former manager Erik ten Hag. Everton rejected multiple bids, including what were described as 'derisory offers' in the summer of 2024. Despite that, United remain keen and are now monitoring the 6ft 5in centre-back ahead of a potential move next summer as Michael Carrick looks to bolster his defence after a slow start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The defender signed a new five-year contract last July, keeping him at Goodison Park until 2030. That deal leaves Everton in a strong position, and any approach would require a fee well above his Β£34m Transfermarkt valuation. No formal offer has been made at this stage.
What was said
"It wouldn't be a surprise if they did reignite their interest because they're long-term admirers of Branthwaite."
"They tried to sign him in the summer of 2024. They had a couple of derisory offers rejected for him that Everton felt were not good enough at the time."
"Everton are wary of potential interest from other clubs like Manchester United, even Manchester City, and there's been talk of maybe interest from abroad as well."
"Everton aren't in any real panic over his future; he's under a long-term contract, but if he keeps up his recent performances, then that interest is bound to be there."
O'Rourke's comments confirm that Everton are aware of significant interest from several clubs, including United and Manchester City. The message from Goodison is clear: no panic, but also no intention of letting their key defender leave on the cheap.
The numbers
- 101 β Everton appearances for Branthwaite
- 6ft 5in β Branthwaite's height
- 5 years β Length of contract signed in July 2025 (runs until 2030)
- 4 years β Remaining on that deal
- Β£34m β Transfermarkt valuation (likely below Everton's asking price)
- January 2020 β Joined Everton from Carlisle United
Why Man Utd see Branthwaite as the answer
Michael Carrick's defence has leaked goals early in 2026/27, and United's recruitment team believe Jarrad Branthwaite offers the physical presence and ball-playing ability required. At 6ft 5in, he is dominant in the air and comfortable stepping out with the ball β traits that suit Carrick's preferred high line. His 101 appearances for Everton, despite injury setbacks, show he can handle the demands of the Premier League.
Everton, however, hold all the cards. With four years left on his contract, they can demand a premium fee. United's previous 'derisory' bids failed because they undervalued a player who is now one of England's most promising young centre-backs. This time, any approach will need to start at a significantly higher figure.
Competition from Manchester City and clubs abroad complicates matters. United will need to act decisively if they are to finally land their long-term target. The player's development at Everton, including loan spells at PSV Eindhoven and Blackburn Rovers, has turned him into a complete defender β and the Red Devils are clearly still watching.
Talking points
- Should United pay whatever it takes for Branthwaite, or is the money better spent on a ready-made starter? The Β£34m valuation is almost certainly a floor, not a ceiling.
- Everton have no need to sell with four years left on his deal. Any bid below Β£60m may be laughed off, as in 2024.
- Manchester City's interest could force United into a bidding war they might regret. Is Branthwaite worth that risk?
- Carrick's slow start increases pressure to sign a defender in January, but Everton are unlikely to entertain mid-season offers.
What happens next
United will continue to monitor Branthwaite's performances over the coming months, with a potential summer approach on the table. Everton's stance is clear: they are under no pressure to sell and will demand a fee well above Β£34m. The next transfer window will reveal whether United's interest turns into a concrete offer β and whether Everton's resolve can be tested.
Frequently asked questions
Are Man Utd signing Jarrad Branthwaite?
No deal is imminent. United are monitoring Branthwaite ahead of a potential swoop next summer, but no formal offer has been reported.
How much would Jarrad Branthwaite cost?
Everton will likely demand a fee well above his Β£34m Transfermarkt valuation, especially given his contract runs until 2030.
When did Man Utd last bid for Branthwaite?
United made a couple of derisory offers in the summer of 2024 that Everton rejected. They also tried to sign him under Erik ten Hag.
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