Manchester United are preparing a £65 million January move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but face stiff competition from Liverpool, who view the 22-year-old as Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor.
Manchester United are expected to revive their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite in January with a £65 million bid for the Everton centre-back. The Red Devils, desperate for defensive reinforcements, had previously cooled their interest in the 22-year-old but may now return for him as part of their long-term rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
Everton’s rising star attracting heavyweights
Branthwaite has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders. His commanding presence alongside James Tarkowski has been key to Everton’s defensive solidity, with his blend of physicality and composure on the ball marking him out as a modern centre-half.
The England international signed a new contract at Goodison Park in June, but that has done little to stop speculation. United are not alone in their admiration — Liverpool have also earmarked Branthwaite as a potential heir to Virgil van Dijk and as a possible replacement for Ibrahima Konaté, who continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.
United’s defensive woes laid bare
United’s backline has looked increasingly fragile this season, conceding 11 goals in just six Premier League matches. Amorim’s insistence on sticking with his 3-4-3 system has produced just nine wins from 33 games since his appointment, with Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Brentford once again exposing major gaps in defence.
Branthwaite has emerged as the club’s top target to replace Harry Maguire, whose contract expires next summer. At 22, he represents both a short-term fix and a long-term investment. However, luring him away from Merseyside could be far from straightforward.
Lessons from Jack Grealish’s City struggles
Everton teammate Jack Grealish offers a cautionary tale. The winger’s £100m move to Manchester City promised superstardom, but a lack of consistency and off-field distractions left him sidelined under Pep Guardiola. Since joining Everton on loan, Grealish has rediscovered his spark and become a key figure once again.
Branthwaite may well weigh his options carefully before taking a leap, knowing that moving too soon — or to the wrong club — could stall his momentum.
A battle on and off the pitch
Should both Manchester United and Liverpool formalise their interest, Branthwaite could become the subject of one of the fiercest transfer tussles of 2025. For Everton, holding onto their prized asset may prove as important as their push for European qualification this season.
